James Balfour (engineer)
James Balfour | |
|---|---|
| Born | 2 June 1831 Colinton, Scotland |
| Died | 19 December 1869 (aged 38) Timaru Harbour, New Zealand |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Spouse | Christina Simson |
| Relatives | James Balfour (great-grandfather) Robert Whytt (great-grandfather) George William Balfour (brother) |
| Engineering career | |
| Employer(s) | Otago Province |
| Projects | Dog Island Lighthouse |
James Melville Balfour (2 June 1831 – 19 December 1869) was a Scottish-born New Zealand marine engineer. He is best remembered for the network of lighthouses that he designed. Balfour was a highly energetic man, who despite drowning after only six years in the country, has left a list of projects either designed or constructed by him. He was initially employed by the Otago Provincial Council before his appointment by the Government of New Zealand as the colonial marine engineer.