James Roy (politician)

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

James Roy
MC*
Member of the New Zealand Parliament
for Clutha
In office
27 November 1935 – 26 November 1960
Preceded byPeter McSkimming
Succeeded byPeter Gordon
Personal details
Born3 March 1893
Wairuna, New Zealand
Died26 May 1971
Dunedin, New Zealand
Political partyNational
Children2
ProfessionFarmer

Biography

Early life and career

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]

Political career
New Zealand Parliament
Years Term Electorate Party
1935–1936 25th Clutha Independent
1936–1938 Changed allegiance to: National
1938–1943 26th Clutha National
1943–1946 27th Clutha National
1946–1949 28th Clutha National
1949–1951 29th Clutha National
1951–1954 30th Clutha National
1954–1957 31st Clutha National
1958–1960 32nd Clutha National

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]

Later life and death

Roy died in 1971.[4] He was survived by his wife, daughter and son.[5]

Notes
  1. Moriarty, Adam. "James Alexander McLean Roy, MC and Bar (1893–1971)". National Army Museum. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  2. Gustafson 1986, p. 340.
  3. Wilson 1985, p. 217, 232.
  4. Wilson 1985, p. 232.
  5. "Obituary - Mr J. A. McL. Roy". Vol. CXI, no. 32619. The Press. 29 May 1971. p. 9.

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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