James Roy (politician)

James Alexander McLean Roy MC* (3 March 1893 – 26 May 1971) was a New Zealand politician of the National Party.

Biography[]

He was born and educated in Wairuna near Clinton. He farmed on his father's farm in Wairuna, and his own farm in Cave, South Canterbury. In World War I he was a lieutenant and was awarded the Military Cross and bar, and his medals are on display at the National Army Museum in Waiouru. His second citation, for actions on 9 November 1918, reads:^[1]

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Accompanied by one man, he raided the enemy’s trenches, and under cover of trench-mortar bombardment proceeded down an old sap towards a machine gun post. As soon as the bombardment lifted he rushed in and captured two of the enemy and brought them back to his lines. He twice went back, and captured two more prisoners and a machine gun. He showed splendid enterprise and daring.

He was a member of the Clinton Presbyterian Church, and Superintendent of the Sunday School there.^[2]

At the 1935 election, he succeeded Peter McSkimming as an Independent supporter of the Reform-United coalition in the Clutha electorate.^[3] In 1936, he joined the new National Party formed from a coalition of the Reform Party and the United Party plus three Independents (Roy, with James Hargest and William Polson). He held the Clutha electorate until 1960, when he retired.^[4]

Roy died in 1971.^[4]

Notes[]

References[]

• Gustafson, Barry (1986). The First 50 Years : A History of the New Zealand National Party. Auckland: Reed Methuen. ISBN 0-474-00177-6.
• Wilson, James Oakley (1985) [1913]. New Zealand Parliamentary Record, 1840–1984 (4th ed.). Wellington: V.R. Ward, Govt. Printer. OCLC 154283103.

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