Dr James Hudson arrived in Nelson from Wellington in 1880 to join Dr Sealy in general practice in Hardy Street.
He was immediately thrown into the role of caring for the public and kept busy with consultations, tending the sick, dealing with outbreaks of measles, typhoid, diphtheria and scarlet fever, attending accidents, delivering lectures and appearing at inquests.
James was a popular man and became a nominated surgeon for several local friendly societies. Between 1887 and 1905 he was appointed to numerous public roles, including public vaccinator, Government Meteorological Officer, acting district health officer and a member of Nelson City Council.
In April 1907, after 26 years of service to Nelson city, James gave up his practice and retired to his residence in the Tapawera district.
With his knowledge, skill and experience, he was soon sought after by residents of the Motueka Valley settlements. Shortly after arriving in the district, he was called to attend J Savage of the Terminus Hotel, who had suffered a serious accident. His horse escaped from the stable and, while trying to catch it, he was thrown against a post and knocked unconscious.
This was the first of many callouts involving horse-related accidents. There were numerous incidents resulting in broken collarbones, dislocated shoulders and broken ankles.
James’s retirement was anything but quiet. As well as becoming the district doctor, he joined the Motueka Horticultural Society and the Tapawera Literacy Society, represented Tapawera at the Chamber of Commerce, judged events for the Motueka Valley Swimming Club and became chairman of the Tapawera Young Men’s Institute and the Tapawera Horticultural Society. He was also president of the newly-formed Shedwood Hockey Club.
In March 1912, James attended two accidents on the same day involving children at Stanley Brook. The first involved schoolchildren who decided to play a war game during their free time. Ronald Falconer, 12, fell and broke his arm in two places. Two hours later, another pupil, Leslie Eban, 10, was taking cows from a paddock, leapt onto one and was thrown off, breaking his arm.
Four months later, on Tuesday, 8 July 1912, James was tragically killed when his car left the road on Spooners Range, killing him instantly.
That morning, James and his daughter left Tapawera and were travelling by car to Nelson when the accident happened. He had purchased the vehicle only three months earlier and, on delivery, a man was sent to teach him to drive. With limited experience, it was his first time driving over Spooners Range.
The road was slippery and it was thought James took the corner too sharply, forcing the car to swerve and veer down a bank about 15 to 20 feet. Both he and his daughter were thrown from the vehicle, but James struck his head on a boulder, causing his death.
The inquiry returned a verdict of accidental death, but recommended all motor car drivers should hold a certificate of competency.
Dr James Hudson was buried in St Barnabas Anglican Churchyard.
