Title: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

Author: Cyclopedia Company Limited

Publication details: The Cyclopedia Company, Limited, 1905, Christchurch

Part of: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand

License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 New Zealand Licence

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Mr. George Sumpter was Chairman of the Oamaru Harbour Board for about fifteen years, and also served as Mayor of Oamaru, besides filling many other important offices in connection with the town. He was born in Middlesex, England, in 1836. After being for ten years in South Australia, he settled in Otago in 1861, and for many years conducted a large business as grain merchant and land agent and auctioneer. He was connected with the volunteer movement for over thirty yeas; he advanced from the rank of ensign in 1871 to that of Lieut-Colonel in 1889, and held the command of the district for a number of yeas. On the incorporation of the borough of Oamaru he became the first town clerk, and as a politician he was elected a member of the Provincial Council for Waitaki in 1871, and held office till the abolition of the provinces. He also took a great interest in educational matters and was chairman of the school committee for a number of years. Mr. Sumpter was married, in 1858, to a daughter of Mr. R. S. Newell, of Chichester, Sussex, and had three sons and eight daughters. He died on the 11th of November, 1900.