LAIRD, JAMES (1831-1902) was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, and came to New Zealand in 1856, settling in Taranaki as a nurseryman. He served in the Maori war (1860-65), and two years later removed from New Plymouth to Wanganui, where he established himself in business. He was a borough councillor for 15 years and mayor (1886-88), chairman of the Waitotara county council and a member of the hospital committee and harbour board. He died on 3 Sep 1902.

Cycl. N.Z., vi.

Reference: Volume 1, page 256

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