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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

Mr. Job Wain

Mr. Job Wain was returned without opposition to represent High Ward in the Dunedin City Council in 1867. A few weeks after his election, however, he was compelled, through an alleged informality in the proceedings, to retire from the Council, and on again submitting himself as a candidate for the seat, was opposed by Mr. McLaren, whom he defeated by a large majority. Mr. Wain was born in London, in November, 1836, and was the eldest son of a soft-goods merchant. After leaving school he entered the office of the late James Macandrew, with whom he embarked for New Zealand in the ship “Titan” in September, 1850. During the years 1851–2 he was engaged at farm work on Mr. Macandrew's property at Mornington. In December, 1852, he went to Australia with the intention of trying his luck on the goldfields. After passing a few years in Australia he returned to Dunedin, where, in 1857, he found employment with Mr. George Duncan, at that time proprietor of the Commercial Hotel. In 1859 Mr. Wain entered into partnership with Mr. Wilson to buy the livery stables previously conducted by Mr. Duncan in Rattray Street. The firm of Messrs Wilson and Wain lasted four years, and in 1863 Mr. Wain opened a hotel in Manse Street, and conducted it for about twelve years. Between 1885–8 he was engaged in railway contracting, his chief works being the construction of the Manuka Creek tunnel, and the permanent railroad from Clarksville to Lawrence. In 1878 Mr. Wain erected, in Princes Street, the handsome hotel which still bears his name, and six months after its completion he retired into private life. After five years, much of which he spent in travel, he returned to the management of his hotel. In 1888 he finally retired, and has since resided on a finely situated block of land in the village of Opoho, in the North-East Valley. Mr. Wain was connected with the Dunedin City Fire Brigade, for upwards of twelve years, in the days when that body was a purely volunteer one, and was for seven years its captain. A short time before his resignation he was presented by the City Corporation with an illuminated address, a gold watch and chain, and a silver tea and coffee service, in recognition of his long and valuable services. Mr. Wain married Miss Catharine Jenkins, of Dunedin, in May, 1860, and has three sons and four daughters.