Framed portrait of Edward Cephas John Stevens, E.L.C., Chairman of the board of governors 1899-1915. 

In 1899 the Hon E. C. J. Stevens succeeded Mr Overton. As a member of the original agricultural committee set up in 1876 by the Canterbury College Board of Governors, he was largely responsible for the choice of site and the early development of the College. Of all those connected with it, he probably deserves most the title of "father of the College." His was a very strong and forcible personality which practically dominated the Board of his day. His sympathetic attitude towards Lincoln was evidenced in 1890 when he, though a member of the Canterbury College Board, attempted to introduce a bill providing for the separation of Canterbury College and the Lincoln School of Agriculture into Parliament. Unfortunately, it was shelved through being adjudged a private measure. He occupied the office of Chairman until his death in 1915. (Source: CAC Jubilee Souvenir 1880-1930)