Mr. J. T. Ford was born in Devonshire in 1828, was educated in his native land, and brought up as a farmer. He left England in 1856, and after spending two years in America, arrived in Lyttleton in February, 1859, in the ship “Oriental.” Till 1872 Mr. Ford was engaged in sheep farming on the Waimakariri, at Ashburton, and in the Mackenzie Country. In the latter year he settled in Christchurch, but carried on a station on the Selwyn for ten years after that time. The firm of J. T. Ford and Co. was established immediately on his settling in Christ church, the late Mr. Charles Newton becoming partner in the firm. In 1883 Mr. Ford joined the firm of Miles and Co. as a partner, and continued his connection until the formation of that firm into a limited company in 1892, in which year he resumed business on his own account under his present style. Mr. Ford was connected with the Agricultural and Pastoral Association for thirty-six years (from 1862 to 1898) as a member on various committees. honorary secretary for seven years, vicepresident, and president. In consideration of his services as honorary secretary, he was presented in 1872 with a suitably inscribed gold watch with chain. Mr. Ford has been an auctioneer continuously in Christchurch for nearly thirty years. In 1858 he married a daughter of the late Mr. Reuben Cooke, of Gloucestershire, England, and has four sons and five daughters.