James Alexander Stephen was my great grandfather. He was born at Staveley in 1878 and entered his father's business there. He later lived in Lynhurst and controlled stores at Staveley, Methven and Lynhurst where he was also in charge of the Post Office. In his youth he was an outstanding athlete, his main sport being sprinting. He represented Ashburton county in rugby football. He was the first resident of Ashburton county to own a motor-car and he had his house attached to electricity prom a private generator before the general power system operated. Mr Stephen's was 69 years at the time of his death and was survived by his wife and three sons.

James Alexander Stephen is my great uncle. He married my great Aunt, Mary Jane Campbell in 1899. Mary died following the birth of their 4th child in 1904. James then married Mary's younger sister, Edith, in 1905. He was in partnership with his wife running a general store and acting as land and estate agents in the mid-Canterbury District of Lyndhurst, near Methven. I have only just discovered his history and as an Air Force historian with the RAAF I hope to find out more about is role in WWI. SQNLDR Lindsay C Campbell CSM RAAF