Title: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Author: Cyclopedia Company Limited

Publication details: The Cyclopedia Company, Limited, 1897, Wellington

Part of: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand

License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 New Zealand Licence

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Russell, James, Builder and Contractor, Tory Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Russell was born at Bunckell, Lanarkshire, Scotland, in July, 1840, and was educated at Newmanes, about a mile from his birthplace. He was apprenticed to the building trade with Mr. Alexander Lothian, of Wishow, After completing his apprenticeship, he went to Edinburgh. After two years in that beautiful city, he came to New Zealand by the ship “Nelson,” in 1862, landing in Dunedin. Mr. Russell worked at his trade for six months, and then joined the survey party under Mr. Francis Howden, which was sent out by the provincial Government Survey Department to survey a track from Lake Wakatipu to Martin's Bay. He worked on this survey for two years, and recounts many tales of the trials and hardships he went through during that time. The party had to dig a canoe out of & totara log to go down the Lake Kakapau to the sea. A small survey party under Dr. Hector had previously been through that part, and had left a boat covered with branches for the use of Mr. Howden's party, but it had been stolen by some diggers who wished to get to the seaport. It was on this journey that the party picked up a man who was starving and dying from exposure, having lost his way. They shared their food with him, and took him with them as far as Lake Wakatipu. In 1866 Mr. Russell left Dunedin and came to Wellington, working as a journeyman for a few months, and then started in business with Mr. Downs. This partnership lasted about three years. The last house of any importance built by the firm was the present residence of the hon. the Premier. At the latter end of 1869 Mr. Downs retired from the business, and Mr. Russell has since conducted solely. Amongst the most prominent buildings erected by Mr. Russell, are Bishop Reiwood's residence, the Convent schools, various Government buildings and private residences at Wanganui and Blenheim. Mr. Russell was married in Wellington in 1863, and of his family living there are five—four daughters and one son. He has been a member of the masonic order since 1880, when he joined the Pacific Lodge, E.C. He has held various offices, including that of treasurer. Since 1868 he has been a member of the Britannia Lodge of Oddfellows, and has been through the chairs no less than three times. Mr. Russell takes a great interest in bowling; he is a member of the Wellington Club, and has been one of the representatives. He is also a prominent member of the Caledonian Society, and has been president for the past two years.