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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Taranaki, Hawke's Bay & Wellington Provincial Districts]
Councillor James Spence
page 307
Councillor James Spence, who has occupied a seat on the Napier Borough Council since the year 1898, was born in Belfast, Ireland, in April. 1851, was educated at a private academy, under the Rev. Matier, and was subsequently trained as a journalist on the staff of the “Banner,” a daily newspaper of Ulster. In 1874 he came to New Zealand, went first to the West Coast, then spent about a year on the staff of the “Otago Daily Times,” and afterwards returned to the West Coast, where for a number of years he kept a general store near Hokitika. Mr. Spence removed to Napier in 1886, when he purchased his present business. He is a member of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board.