DEATH OF THE HON. & E. SHRIMSKI, M.L.C.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12002, 26 June 1902, Page 6

DEATH OF THE HON. & E. SHRIMSKI, M.L.C.

Another of New Zealand's early colonists, and one for many years associated with the colony's politics, passed peacefully away yesterday, in the person of the Hon. Samuel Edward Shrimski, M.L.0., J.F., who died at his residence, Campsie Villa, Lower Symonds-streefc, at six a.m. The deceased gentleman, who has resided i in the colony for upwards of 40 years, was born in 1828, at Posen, Prussia, where he received his early education. Leaving his native land at the acre of 19, he went to London, where he embarked in business as a merchant, remaining there for about 12 years. Towards the close of the fifties Mr. Shrimski came out to Australia, and j took up his residence in Melbourne, Victoria, from whence he joined in the gold rush in that State. Crossing over to New Zealand in 1861, the time when the rush to the Otago diggings broke out, he, after some little time on the goldiields, settled in Oamaru, where he went into business as a storekeeper and auctioneer, also acting in the capacity of Government land auctioneer. Interesting himself in local and general politics, the deceased soon became a prominent figure in the Southern township, where he held many important positions on local bodies, being for some years Mayor of Oamaru, also chairman of the North Otago Education Board, in turn treasurer and chairman of the hospital trustees, chairman of the Harbour Board, and a prominent member of several other institutions. It was in a large measure due to his efforts that the hospital was founded, and several valuable endowments were secured to that institution, while he also played a prominent part in the foundation of the Athenaeum and Waitaki High School. The hon. gentleman was first elected to the House of Representatives as the member for Oamaru in 1875, and continued as representative of that constituency for several years, the last occasion of a contest for the seat being in 1884, when he was opposed by and defeated the Earl of Seafield. The year following Mr. Shrimski was appointed a life member of the Legislative Council of New Zealand, and held his seat in the Upper House till the time of his demise, there being no break in the continuity of his public services from the time of his first election to the Lower House. When leaving Oamaru for Auckland, about two years ago, Mr. Shrimski was made the recipient of an illuminated address by the citizens, as an appreciation of his valuable services and untiring efforts on behalf of the various local institutions with which he had been connected. This was signed by the then Mayorwho made the presentation—the chairmen of the Hospital Trustees, High School Board, Harbour Board. Racecourse Trustees, and Athenaeum Committee. The deceased who has since that time lived in Auckland, leaves a wife., but no children, he having been married in Dunedin to Miss Deborah Neumegen, sister of Mr. W. H. Neumegen, of this city, and niece of the late Mr. Leopold Neumegen. For some five weeks prior to death, Mr. Shrimski had been ill, and all that medical skill and attention could do was done. While in Auckland the deceased had not, owing to his declining years, taken any prominent part in public matters, locally, but as one who has always taken a lively interest in the welfare of the colony, and whose views as a member of the Legislative Council were ever listened to with respect, his death will be regretted by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. Deceased will be buried tomorrow, the funeral leaving his late residence, Symonds-street, for the Waikumete. cemetery, at two p.m. At his meeting at Parncll last night Mr. F. Lawry, M.H.R., made feeling reference to the late Hon. S. E. Shrimski, with whom he stated be had been associated for 15 years, in public life. ' , ,