MR GEORGE HARPER.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19970, 3 July 1930, Page 11

MR GEORGE HARPER.

CAREER OP PUBLICJ SERVICE

SOME BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES.

Amongst the best known and most highly esteemed citizens of Christchurch is Mr George Harper, who retired recently from the legal firm' with which his name has been connected so long, but who, despite his eighty-seven years, is stiJJ keeping up practice as a barrister. One of Mr Harper's pleasures is walking, and frequently he is to -be met, sometimes with a friend, tramping on the Cashmere Hills. Hia, vitality and his undiminished interest in public affairs are remarkable. The fourth son of the Most Rev. H. J. C. Harper, Primate of New Zealand, and the first Bishop of Christchurch, Mr Harper was born on April 24th, 1843, at Stratfield Mortimer, Berks., England, of which parish his father was vicar from 1840 to 1856. Mr Harper's birthplace is not far from Stratfield, Saye, the nation's gift to the Duke of Wellington after the victory of Waterloo. Mr Harper received his early education. at St. Peter's College, Radley, Berks., and at Eton. In 1858 his father and family arrived in Christchurch, and Mr Harper attended the Upper Department of Christ's College. In June, 1869, he was called to the English Bar, and a year later he was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand. In the 'Bo's he was a member of the Royal Commission, consisting of Judges of the Supremo Court and certain chosen members of the legal profession, set up to assist in the revision of the Supreme Court Actß, and the framing of a new code of procedure. For many years he has been a member of the New Zealand Law Society, and of the Canterbury District Law' Society, and has been president of the Can- ; terbury Society. Since 1900 Mr Harper has been a member of the governing body of Christ's College, and for the past ten years he has been sub-warden, the Bishop of the Diocese always holding the position of warden. Mr Harper alsq is a Fellow of the College. He joined the Christ's College Rifles Volunteer Company as captain, in 1883, after having served for a brief period in the Reserve - Corps started at the time of the Russian scare. He continued in command of the Corps till 1893, and resumed command in 1900, resigning in 1904. _ , _

At the beginning of the Great War Mr Harper, with several others,, founded that very valuable and important organisation, the Citizens' Corps, of which he was president during the period of its existence, and until its work was completed. The C.D.0., as it was called for brevity, was instrumental in recruiting over 5000 men for active service, and in establishing a club for the benefit of returned soldiers, wounded of otherwise. This club afterwards was merged into the Returned Soldiers' Association as it now exists. Fot his services during the war period, Mr Harper was awarded the 0.8. E. Always a lover of gardens ana trees, it was natural that Mr Harper should be interested in the work of the Domains' Board* and that he should find in its' activities further outlet for Ms public services. He became a member of the Board in 1904, and in 1920 he was elected chairman, a position he still holds. On the Board he has done much valuable work. Other activities that have engaged, and still engage, Mr Harper's attention and energies are those of mem bership of the Cathedral Chapter, and his duties as a trustee of the McLean Institute; the last-mentioned position he has held since 1908.