TORRANCE, JOHN AINSLIE (1832-1908) was born in Edinburgh and was brought up by his widowed mother. After serving his apprenticeship to the printing trade, he arrived in Dunedin in the Ben Lomond, and became manager of the printing department of the Evening Star. Philanthropic by nature, he was appointed chaplain of the gaol, hospital and lunatic asylum. When the Provincial Council was abolished, he was appointed agent of the Patients' and Prisoners' Aid Society (1877), holding the position for over 30 years. He was an elder of Knox Church until his death (on 10 Aug 1908).

Cycl. NZ., iv; J. Chisholm, Memorials of J. A. Torrance (p), 1908; Otago Daily Times, 11 Aug 1908.

Reference: Volume 2, page 199

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