Mr. Edward Steane Harley arrived in Christchurch from Melbourne in 1864, and became well known in commercial circles. For some years he conducted the business of Messrs T. J. Maling and Co., wine and spirit merchants and general importers, and was afterwards produce manager for the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited. In 1881, he, in conjunction with the company's general manager, Mr. John Cooke, took the initial steps for founding the first freezing works in Canterbury—namely, those of the Belfast Company, the extraordinary success of which has been of the very greatest advantage to the flockowners of Canterbury. Owing to ill-health, Mr. Harley visited England in 1885, and on his return retired from the Loan and Mercantile Agency Company's service. He subsequently set up in business on his own account. Mr. Harley was auditor for the Christchurch Gas, Coal, and Coke Company, Lyttelton Gas and Coal Company, New Zealand Shipping Company, Limited, Ward and Co., Manning and Co., Limited, and for the Permanent Investment and Loan Association of Canterbury. During the first twelve years of his New Zealand experience, Mr. Harley was connected with the affairs of the late Mr. Robert Heaton Rhodes, and with the firm of Messrs W. R. and G. Rhodes. Mr. Harley died on the 9th of June, 1901, at Rakahuri, near Rangiora.