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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]
Mr. James Robin
Mr. James Robin , one of the Government representatives on the Otago Harbour Board, was born in Stirlingshire, Scotland, where he learned the business of coach-building. For a few years he turned his attention to engineering, and worked with the firm that built the steamer “Pirate” (the first steamer to trade between Dunedin and Melbourne), and did a considerable portion of the fitting up of the machinery of that pioneer in her line. In 1854 Mr. Robin left Scotland to try his fortune in Victoria; where for seven years he worked at coachbuilding, and was one of the founders of the well known firm of Stevenson and Co., afterwards Stevenson and Elliot. Mr. Robin and a partner bought a twenty-ton schooner in 1863, with the object of trading in Fiji, but the excitement caused him to change his plans and come to Dunedin. For two years Mr. Robin and his partner traded between Dunedin and the adjacent ports; but, in 1865, Mr. Robin retired from that mode of life and laid the foundation of the coachbuilding business which has ever since been carried on by him. Since his settlement in Dunedin Mr. Robin has devoted a large portion of his time to the affairs of the city. One of the first of his public services was in connection with the widening of Princes Street. The citizens were much dissatisfied with the arbitration award made in that respect, and Mr. Robin and two other gentlemen, by getting the award set aside, were instrumental in saving the city the large sum of £11,000. Mr. Robin was a member of the first Railway Board of Appeal appointed by the Government. With the late Mr. James Macandrew and others Mr. Robin took an active part in the endeavour to prevent the abolition of the Provinces. He was a member of the City Council for several years; and was the first chairman of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board—a position which he occupied for over ten years. Mr. Robin was one of the members of the first Licensing Committee for Bell Ward, and chairman of the committee; and was also for fourteen years a member of the Dunedin school committee, and its chairman for a considerable period. He has for nearly fifty years been a member of the Order of Oddfellows, and joined the Manchester Unity in 1854. He has been treasurer to the Otago District Lodge for thirty years.