Biography

James Pillans Maitland was born on 13th December 1830, in Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, the eldest son of Ann Maria Maitland, née Pillans, and Joseph Maitland. The Maitland family was well-known in Kirkudbrightshire, two of his uncles attained distinction as judges under the titles of Lord Dundrennan (Thomas Maitland) and Lord Barcaple (Edward Francis Maitland). James was educated at Loretto and the Edinburgh Institution, and became an accountant and actuary.

James Maitland departed for New Zealand with his brothers, George H. Maitland and William G. Maitland, in 1852 on the barque Slains Castle. On landing at Port Chalmers, James walked with Sir John Richardson to the Molyneux to meet his uncle, the Hon. Francis Pillans. He and his brother purchased land at Inchclutha, which was later sold to purchase the Crescent property near Kaitangata, and the Hillend station near Waitahuna, which James managed until 1861. When the Otago gold discoveries occurred, James was appointed resident magistrate of the Clutha and Tokomairiro districts, until he was transferred to Dunedin as Commissioner of Crown Lands when the provinces were abolished on 28th December 1876.

James met with two accidents while engaged in his duties as Commissioner which were to have lasting consequences. He was involved in a serious buggy accident at Tapanui, from which he received a shock to his nervous system from which he never quite recovered, and an injury to his back caused by his horse stumbling in the Oamaru district seriously aggravated the malady. These accidents led to health and nervous problems in his later years.

As a magistrate James was highly respected and trusted, his decisions invariably characterised by common sense and impartiality. As Commissioner of Crown Lands he was employed on many special commissions, and was relied upon by the Government of the day as a capable, confidential and trusted servant. James was interested in sport and acclimatisation, shooting and fishing. He was an active president of the Acclimatisation Society for over 20 years, and also president of the Otago Rugby Football Union and the Carisbrook Cricket Club.

In 1855 James Maitland married Ann Hazel née Clunn, stepdaughter of Robert Williams. They had a family of five sons and four daughters, of whom a son, James Ernest Maitland, and a daughter, Mary Stuart Maitland, predeceased their parents. One of their daughters, Ethel, married Francis J. Stilling.

In January 1901 James Maitland retired on a well-earned pension from his duties as Crown Lands Commissioner, due to illness. He died on 22nd August 1902, aged 71 years. He is buried here in the cemetery with his wife, son and daughter.