James Craigie

Early life

Craigie was born in Coupar Angus, Perthshire, Scotland on 7 September 1851.

He came to New Zealand in 1867 with his parents, James and Agnes Craigie.

Craigie and his family landed in Dunedin, where he remained for several years after completing an apprenticeship as a painter and decorator.

Move to Timaru

Craigie moved to Timaru in 1873 where he started a glass and house decoration business. He also opened a large home decoration shop in Cains Terrace, Timaru. He subsequently merged his business with a Dunedin firm and it became known as Smith & Craigie. The merged business would ultimately become Smith & Smith, a company which continues to operate throughout New Zealand.

As his business success grew, Craigie purchased a large farm in Kingsdown, about 5 km south of Timaru, where he built a substantial house, Craigielea. Craigielea was subsequently destroyed by fire.

Craigie served on the South Canterbury Health Board for nine years, serving the last several years as Chairman.

He also served as Chairman of the Timaru Harbour Board for four years during which time significant progress was made in the development of the Port of Timaru.

Election to the Timaru Borough Council

Craigie served on the Timaru Borough Council

Mayor of Timaru

Craigie was Mayor of Timaru for ten years from 1902 to 1912.

Member of Parliament

James Craigie represented the Timaru electorate in the New Zealand House of Representatives for 14 years from 1908 to 1922.

Independent Liberal

In the 1919 election, Craigie broke from the Liberal Party and stood as an Independent Liberal or Progressive Liberal.

On 1 June 1923, Craigie was appointed to the Legislative Council. He served for one term until 31 May 1930 and was not re-appointed.

In 1935, he was awarded the King George V Silver Jubilee Medal.

Admirer of Robert Burns

Craigie was an enthusiastic admirer of Robert Burns and was at one-time regarded as New Zealand's leading authority on Burns.

Craigie was an Overseas Vice President of the Robert Burns World Federation.

In 1931, Craigie delivered a lecture to the Wellington Burns Club entitled "The Humanity of Robert Burns".

Craigie provided funds for the erection in the Timaru Botanic Gardens of a statute of Robert Burns.

Death

James Craigie died at his home in Kingsdown on 17 August 1935. He is buried in the Craigie Family Plot in Timaru Cemetery.

Legacy

Craigie was a generous benefactor to his adopted hometown of Timaru.

He provided the chimes for the Timaru Town Clock in 1913. This was initially hung in the Chief Post Office but in 1933 it was moved to the Timaru Council Building, which had been constructed during Craigie's tenure as Mayor.

Craigie provided the money for the oak trees planted in (what was to become known as) Craigie Avenue, Timaru now part of New Zealand State Highway 1.

Upon his death, Craigie donated a C.F. Goldie painting entitled "Memories" to the people of Timaru. The painting can now be seen at the Aigantighe Art Gallery in Wai-iti Road, Timaru.

His descendants planted a tree in his honour in Craigie Avenue at Easter, 1994.