RUTHERFORD, JAMES (1825-83) was a native of Dublin, was educated there and entered into business as a seed merchant (1851). He was a man of outstanding energy, integrity and acumen, and had a wide connection all over Ireland. In 1879 his health broke down and, having achieved a competence, he converted the business into a company (in which he retained a holding) and came to New Zealand. After spending a few weeks in Dunedin, he purchased the Summerhill estate at Kaitangata. In 1880 he was elected to the Bruce county council, and at the general election of 1881 he was successful in the contest for the Bruce seat. Standing as a Liberal, he defeated W. A. Murray and J. Adam. He died on 16 May 1883.

NZ.P.D., 23 May, 23 Jun, 18 Jul 1882; Dublin Farmers' Gazette, 21 Jun 1879; Bruce Herald, 14, 28 Oct 1881; Otago Daily Times, 17 May 1883. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 137

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