John Alexander

John Alexander (1876 – 15 July 1941) was a member of the New Zealand Legislative Council from 1934 to 1941 when his term ended. He was a barrister and involved in many organisations.

Early life and legal career Alexander was born in 1876 in Newtownards, Ulster, Ireland. His father was Robert Alexander of Belfast. He received his education at Methodist College Belfast and, after he emigrated to New Zealand, at Prince Albert College in Auckland. His wife was a cousin of Nellie Melba (their mothers were sisters), the Australian operatic soprano based in Europe who had an international career. On her tours in New Zealand, she would stay with the Alexanders when in Auckland. The Alexanders lived at Devonport and their house burned down at the end of 1913.

He was admitted to the Supreme Court in Auckland in 1899 as a solicitor and three years later, he became a barrister. From 1923 to 1925, he was the president of the Auckland Law Society. and remained a member until shortly before his death. In the 1927 New Year Honours, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George, in recognition of his services to New Zealand. He was a president and then trustee of the Auckland Club . From 1929 to 1931, he was president of the Auckland Savings Bank. He was survived by his wife Amy and their son Harcourt. His wife died in 1948.

On 17 July, several members of the 26th Parliament spoke in memory of Alexander: Walter Nash (acting Prime Minister), Sidney Holland (Leader of the Opposition), Rex Mason (Attorney-General), Bill Endean (member for Remuera), and Bill Schramm (member for Auckland East). The Legislative Council next met on 22 July and the following spoke about Alexander: David Wilson (Leader of the House), Bernard Martin, Jack McCullough, William McIntyre, and James Cotter.