DAVIDSON, JAMES (b. 1836), a native of Canonbie, Dumfriesshire, was educated in the parish school. He came to New Zealand by the Mallard (1865) and was for six years in the store of Franklyn and Hirst, at Turakina. He then started for himself in Hawera and sold out in 1897. Davidson was first chairman of the Hawera town board (1875-79) and four years mayor of the borough (1889-92). He served also on the Patea county council, the Taranaki charitable aid board, the Hawera licensing committee (chairman for several years), the Hawera county council and the Patea harbour board. As sportsman he was chairman of the Egmont Racing Club and the Hawera Trotting Club. He was president of the Hawera branch of the Farmers' Union, of the Agricultural and Pastoral association (1896) and the Caledonian society.

Cycl. N.Z., vi (p).

Reference: Volume 1, page 114

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