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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Canterbury Provincial District]

Mr. James Isbister

Mr. James Isbister, Auctioneer in charge of the Stock and Wool Department of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association, Ltd., was born in the Orkney Isles in 1853, educated at Kirkwall Grammar School and brought up on his father's farm. Subsequently, he was bound to an apprenticeship in the Commercial Bank of Scotland, which, however, he left, and was engaged for six years in commercial life in Liverpool. Mr. Isbister arrived in Port Chalmers in 1872 per ship “Nelson,” and was for four years engaged in station life of which he gained a general and useful insight. In 1876, he became a clerk at the Dunedin railway station, from which he was afterwards transferred to Christchurch, and there left the service at the end of three years. Up to 1882 he was employed as accountant and assistant manager by Mr. John Grigg of Longbeach, and then returned to Dunedin to take charge of the wool and grain store of Messrs. Wright, Stevenson and Co. He joined the Co-operative Association in July, 1886, as manager of the wool and grain department, which he has since conducted, and from 1894 has acted as auctioneer, taking charge of all stock and wool sales. Mr. Isbister was sergeant in the 15th Lancashire Rifle Volunteers, in which he served for four years before leaving Liverpool. Since settling in Christchurch he has taken great interest in swimming, and has been a member of the West Christchurch Swimming Club since 1887, of which he is also vicepresident. He was initiated in the Masonic Order in Dunedin, and is attached to St. Augustine Lodge. Mr. Isbister was married in 1886 to a daughter of Mr. A. McWilliam, and has three daughters.

Standish and Preece, photo Mr. J. Isbister.

Standish and Preece, photo
Mr. J. Isbister.