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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

The Hon. James Crowe Richmond

The Hon. James Crowe Richmond, M.L.C., was a Member of two Ministries—as Colonial Secretary from June to October, 1865 in the Weld Government, and held office as Commissioner of Customs and Stamp Duties for nearly three years in the second Stafford Administration, 1865 to 1869. He is a civil engineer by profession, and came out in the early days to the Colony with his brother, Mr. H. R. Richmond. The brothers took page 70 up land in Taranaki, and settled down to the work of pioneering. After a few years they were joined by other members of the family, including Mr. C. W. Richmond (afterwards Mr. Justice Richmond), and H. A. (afterwards Sir Harry) Atkinson and his brothers. Shortly afterwards Mr. J. C. Richmond went Home and married, and returned to New Zealand with his wife. Mr. Richmond first entered political life in the Provincial Council of Taranaki, and became Provincial Secretary under Superintendent Cutfield. As such he approved Governor Browne's action in the purchase of land at Waitara, which led to the war in Taranaki. During the disturbance his farm and house were destroyed. Mr. Richmond served as a volunteer during the war, and acted as Inspector of Defences. He was elected a member of the House of Representatives for a Taranaki constituency, which he represented in several Parliaments. Mr. Richmond was also well known as a journalist, chiefly in connection with the Wellington Independent, and as editor of the Nelson Examiner. He was The Hon. James Crowe Richmond a strong opponent of Sir Julius Vogel's borrowing policy, and as such contested both the Wellington and Nelson seats in the year 1870, but failed to secure election at either place. In 1873 he visited England again, for the education of his family, and remained there till 1881, when he returned to New Zealand. In 1881 he again contested the Nelson electorate without success. In 1883 Mr. Richmond was called to the Legislative Council in which he occupied a seat till 1890, when he resigned owing to failing health. Although well known as a politician and journalist, to many the name of J. C. Richmond is better known as an artist, his water-colour paintings being greatly admired.