The Hon. James Holmes was called to the Legislative Council in May, 1901. He was born in Wrighton, Sussex, England, in the year 1831, and learned the trade of a painter. Mr. Holmes went to Australia in 1852, followed goldmining at Forest Creek, Bendigo, and Ballarat, and also carried on business as a painter at Geelong. He came to New Zealand in 1861, but shortly afterwards went back to Australia, and brought his wife and family to New Zealand. Mr. Holmes followed his trade in Dunedin for some time, and removed to Hokitika in July, 1865. For many years he conducted the business of a painter and paperhanger in Hokitika, and established a branch at Greymouth. In 1880, Mr. Holmes bought the Okuku water race at Kumara, and sold it after having worked it successfully for twenty years. He was also one of those who put up the second battery plant at Reefton. Mr. Holmes has served on the Harbour Board, the High School Board, the Licensing Bench, and other public bodies. He has been captain of the Fire Brigade, is vice-president of the Hokitika Savings Bank, and has been a Justice of the Peace for the last twenty-five years. He is a Liberal in politics. Mr. Holmes has had many ups and downs since his arrival in New Zealand, but has always paid twenty shillings in the pound. He has been twice married, and has, surviving, five sons and six daughters.