McGOWAN, JAMES (1841-1912) was born at Maxwell's Court, County Down, Ireland. His father having died, he commenced at the age of 15 to learn the trade of a baker, and afterwards served with a firm of storekeepers, flaxmillers and farmers. In 1864 he emigrated to Auckland, where he stayed for five years, and then opened a bakery and store at Thames, which he operated until his retirement from business in 1897.

McGowan stood for Parliament in 1887, but was defeated by Fraser. After retiring he devoted his whole time to politics. He was twice mayor. Elected to Parliament for Thames in 1893, he was Government whip in the Parliament elected in 1896, and in 1899 became Minister of Justice and Mines. He held the same portfolios under Hall-Jones and also, with the addition of Immigration and Industries and Commerce, in the Ward cabinet, from which he resigned on 6 Jan 1909. McGowan's administration of the Mines department was noteworthy, and was marked by the opening of several state coal mines. As Minister of Justice also, he passed many acts reforming the system of justice and prisons, and inaugurated tree planting by prisoners. He was then called to the Legislative Council, of which he was a member till his death (on 7 May 1912).

N.Z.P.D., 1893-1909; Parltry Record; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; N.Z. Herald, 7 Aug 1906.

Reference: Volume 2, page 10

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