James Rutherford

James Rutherford (27 January 1906 – 11 April 1963) was a professor and historian at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. Born in England, he gained a Master of Arts degree from the University of Durham and his doctorate from the University of Michigan. He was the chair of history at the University of Auckland from 1934 until his death in 1963.

Early life Born in Dunston, England, on 27 January 1906, James Rutherford was the son of Ralph Rutherford, a railway worker, and his wife Sarah . He was educated in the Newcastle region and after completing his schooling, attended the University of Durham. Graduating with a Master of Arts degree in history, he then went onto the United States having gained a scholarship for postgraduate study at the University of Michigan. His Doctor of Philosophy thesis covered the subject of the federal government in South Africa in the late nineteenth century.

Academic career Returning to England in 1928, Rutherford began his lecturing career at University College in Southampton where he remained until 1933. He then applied for the position of chair in history at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. Despite still being 27 and yet to be published, he was the successful candidate. Two local applicants, Bill Airey and John Beaglehole, were not favoured due to being considered radicals. In addition, the selection panel at the time favoured academics that were educated in Britain, seeing them as superior to those who had received degrees from New Zealand universities.