John Downie Menzies was born in Greenock, Scotland to Alexander Menzies and Jean Downie around 1837-1840. (married in 1826, Refrewshire, Greenock East parish)

John Menzies arrived in New Zealand in 1867. It is not known when he arrived in Bannockburn.

It appears from the electoral roll that Mr Menzies was living in Bannockburn, but it is not known where.

David Stewart and John Menzies may have moved to Stewart Town where they were mining partners. Mr Menzies, like Mr Stewart was a bachelor, and they lived together in dwelling #140. The two miners constructed around 6 miles of water race from Long Gully to Stewart Town and then constructed a large storage dam (Menzies Dam - see location #136) and sold water to other miners for sluicing. Later the water race was extended through the Slaughteryard Hill in Bannockburn. John Menzies was a physically strong man with a great sense of humour. He was a great supporter of the Bannockburn Football Team and was a member of the Cromwell Rifle Volunteers.

In 1882, John Menzies purchased the Last Chance min on the Carrick Range and called it the Phoenix.

David Stewart died suddenly in his home at Stewart Town in 1883. John Menzies continued to live in dwelling #140 after his partners death and continued to operate the water races and Menzies Dam. Mr Menzies was well known for his love of whiskey.

Mr J D Menzies was elected as the first president of the Bannockburn Rugby Club (1888-1891)

On 10 Feb, the Otago Witness recorded that " Mr Solomon, Auctioneer of Cromwell sold by auction on Sat 7, at Bannockburn , the mining claim of Mess'rs Menzies, Aitken and Roy for the sum of £655. The purchaser was Mr J D Menzies "

Mr Menzies was recorded as a supporter of the Band of Hope.

Mr Menzies applied for a mining licence on Pipeclay Terrace.

On Saturday night, June 30 1894, Mr John Downie Menzies was accidentally killed. It appears that Mr Menzies had come into Bannockburn during the afternoon to pay some bills. He went to the Carrick Range Hotel, run by Francis Woodhouse about 4 or 5 o'clock and played billiards until 5 or 6 o'clock when he had his supper, then continued to play and drink until about 9.30 when he headed home. The night was very dark and Mr Menzies did not have a lantern with him. Unfortunately he was short sighted and with only a box of matches to find his way, he missed a bend in the road and walked off a 70 foot high sluicing claim face to his death. (see photo for copy of the coroners report). John Downie Menzies was 54 years of age when he died. He is buried in the Cromwell cemetery.

On 5 July, the Otago Witness reported that: " The inspector of police has been notified by wire from Cromwell that John Menzies was accidentally killed on Saturday night through falling over a deep mining face at Bannockburn. Deceased had lost his way at the time. "

On August 23 1894, the Otago Witness reported : " The late J D Menzies race, claims, house and effects were disposed of by auction on Saturday by Mr Solomon. General satisfaction is expressed at Mr D U McGregor becoming the purchaser of the race, as it is believed by the miners here that he will act independently of the other water race companies, and bring the water down, his intention being to sell at 4 shillings per head at present. A good many were surprised at the Carrick Company stopping at £830. It would be worth considerably more to them and that amount as what they want is a good winter race, their own being dry for over four months every year only for the little they pick out of Smith's Creek. The race brought £830, share in claim £80, house (#140) £49 and eleven shares in Pipeclay (sludge channel) £11 "