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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]
Stevens, John R
Stevens, John R. , Painter and House Decorator, Kana Street, Mataura. Mr Stevens was born at Harwich, Essex, England, in 1862, and arrived at Port Chalmers in 1874. He served seven years as an apprentice in that place, and afterwards worked at Oamaru, but then returned to the Port, and started business on his own account. In 1882, he became a member of the firm of Gilbert and Stevens, at Gore, and some years later was in business on his own account at that place. Mr Stevens removed to Mataura, in 1901. As an Oddfellow, he is a Past Grand of the Gore Lodge, Manchester Unity. He was for five years a member of the Gore school committee, and for part of the time secretary; he also served for six years as a member of the Gore Fire Brigade. Mr Stevens was among those who made the first move to establish services of the Wesleyan body at Gore, and was the first Sunday school superintendent. He was married, in 1882, to a daughter of the late Mr Robert Hagan, of Dunedin, and has three sons and three daughters.