James Alexander Robertson Menzies (21 February 1821 – 18 August 1888) was the first Superintendent of the Southland Province in New Zealand from 3 August 1861 to November 1864 during its breakaway from Otago Province (1861 to 1870).[1] He continued serving on the Provincial Council after his superintendency ended.[2]
During his tenure as Superintendent, two railways projects were undertaken, a railway to link Invercargill to the port at Bluff and a wooden railway to Winton. The former is now known as the Bluff Branch, while the latter was upgraded to the standards of a normal railway and extended to ultimately form the Kingston Branch.[1]
He served on the Legislative Council for 30 years, from 1858 until his death in 1888, and promoted the interests of Southland.[1]
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| First | Superintendent of Southland Province 1861–1864 |
Succeeded by John Parkin Taylor |