STEVENS, JOHN (1845-1916) was born on Thorndon Flat, Wellington, and educated at Buxton's school and later at Bonnefelt's and Freeth's. In 1854 he went to Rangitikei. He saw active service under General Cameron in 1864-65, and later organised and was captain of the Rangitikei Cavalry volunteers. In 1873 he was engaged as an interpreter in the native land court, and later went into business with Lieutenant-Colonel Gorton as an auctioneer in Rangitikei. Defeating Sir William Fox (by two votes) Stevens entered the House of Representatives as Liberal member for Rangitikei in 1881. He was defeated in 1884 but returned again for the same district (1893-96). Thereafter he sat in three Parliaments for Manawatu (1896-1902, 1905-08). For three years (1899-1902) he was senior government whip. In 1885 he was elected a member of the Wanganui education board; he was for 10 years on the Wellington land board and in 1895 was a member of the royal commission set up to consider the revision of the customs tariff. He died on 30 Jul 1916.

N.Z.P.D., pass (notably 1 Aug 1916); Cycl. N.Z. i; J. G. Wilson; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Manawatu Times and Manawatu Standard, 31 Jul 1916. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 168

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