HOLLAND, JAMES JOB (1841-1922) was born in Leicester, England, educated there and learned the trade of a builder with his father. In 1860 he came to New Zealand in the Persia, and after spending a short time on the Otago goldfields he was drafted into the militia for the Maori war, in which he rose to the rank of sergeant.

In 1864 he settled down as a building contractor, and he erected many important edifices in Auckland (including St Benedict's Church, the Costley home and the Baptist Tabernacle). He served on highway boards, the Auckland harbour board, the charitable aid board, the hospital board, the Auckland College and Grammar School governors and the council of Auckland University College. Holland was a member of the City Council (1886-93); mayor of Auckland (1893-95); a sinking fund commissioner and a trustee of the Auckland Savings Bank. Elected in 1881 to the licensing committees for Auckland North, South and East, he was chairman for three years.

In 1896 he was elected to Parliament for City of Auckland, but he was defeated at the following election (1899). Holland was an Oddfellow for 46 years and a trustee for 30. He married (1864) Agnes Melvin, daughter of Dr Mackenzie. Holland died on 31 Jul 1922.

N.Z.P.D., 7 Sep 1922; Cycl. NZ. ii (p); Who's Who N.Z., 1908; N.Z. Herald, 1 Aug 1922. Portrait: Parliament House

Reference: Volume 1, page 220

🌳 Further sources