MACKENZIE, JAMES, was born in Ross-shire, Scotland, about 1820, and was brought up as a shepherd. In 1847 he came from Australia to New Zealand, and he was employed for a time as drover and shepherd in Southland. He selected a run in south Otago, and appears to have gone north with his bullock and dog in search of stock. In March 1855 a mob of 1,000 sheep was found to be missing from the Levels run, in South Canterbury. It was tracked westward through the low passes to the plains beyond, now called the Mackenzie country, where Mackenzie was apprehended. He was suspected of having stolen other sheep, which he had driven over rough unexplored country and some of which were traced as far south as Southland.

Mackenzie was brought to trial at Christchurch and sentenced to five years' imprisonment. After several escapes and attempts, his sentence was remitted and he was deported. To Mackenzie belongs the credit of exploring much of the mountainous back country of Canterbury and Otago. It is believed that he died in Australia.

Justice department records; Woodhouse; Acland; Cant. O.N.; J. C. Andersen; Beattie ii; Lyttelton Times, 18 Apr, 20 Jun 1855.

Reference: Volume 2, page 15

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