INGLIS, JOHN (1822-84) was the son of a Presbyterian minister and was born at Milden, Roxburghshire. He emigrated to Victoria in 1854 and to New Zealand a few years later, taking up a sheep farm in the North Island. After spending a year or two in business in Timaru, he was appointed in 1864 manager of Matheson's agency in Christchurch. When that business was disposed of (1878) he carried on on his own account.

Inglis took a great interest in free and undenominational education, and as a member of the Provincial Council for Christchurch (1869-74) he did much to promote the Canterbury system. In 1871 he was appointed by the Superintendent a member of the board of education, and he assisted to frame the education ordinance. He was chairman of the first board of education (1874) and was a member and chairman of both the boards subsequently set up under acts of Parliament (1874-84). Altogether he served 13 years on the board (including more than nine years as chairman). He was interested also in the Canterbury Philosophical Institute and was a governor of Canterbury College and some time chairman of the chamber of commerce. Inglis was a staunch member of the Trinity Congregational Church (of which he was 15 years treasurer). He died on 19 Oct 1884.

Canterbury P.C. Proc.; Hight and Candy; Lyttelton Times, 24 Oct 1884.

Reference: Volume 1, page 230

🌳 Further sources