OBITUARY

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10718, 12 October 1920, Page 3

OBITUARY

MB R. M. SIMPSON. By a private message from Plymouth (England), it was learnt yesterday thai, another of Wellington's old identities, in the person of Mr R. M. Simpson, had passed away, and general regret was expressed throughout the city. Deceased was formerly general manafer for New Zealand of the Phoenix 1 Assurance Company, and one of Wellington's most respected citizens. The late Mr Simpson wao born in Lancaster, England, 77 years ago, and came out to New Zealand via Melbourne with his family in 1853. He was educated at Wesley College and Dr Kinder's School in Auckland, and commenced his mercantile career with Mr Strickland, agent-for the White Star Line m that city. In 1862 he joined the staff of the Bank of New South Wales, and was in the service for five years. Subsequently he was engaged in,the sawmilling industry 6n the West Coast of the South Island. Returning to the North', he spent three years on the Thames goldfields. Soon after leaving the Thames ha went on a trading voyage to the South Sea Islands, and was appointed accountant for the Fiji Banking and Commercial Company at Leruka, a position he held for three years. In 1876 ho returned to Auckland, and entered the service of the Now Zealand Insurance Company. His first duty was to open a branch for the company at Wanganui. In the following year he was appointed acting-manager for the com r pany at Wellington. In a short time ho was confirmed as manager, and he held the position until 1891, when he resigned to become general manager in New Zealand for the Phoenix Company. Ho continued to he the tatter company's chief executive officer in the Dominion until 1914, and on his retire-' ment ho was appointed a. director ot the company, retaining his position until his death.' ' ■. t . ... Mr Simpson was twice married; his second wife being a daughter of the late'Mr <J. Gibson, of Melbourne, formerly manager of the Bank of Australasia in Wellington. The marriage only took place about a year ago Three or four months ago Mr and Mrs Simpson left Wellington for England via Australia. Ho was then in good health, but on the voyage he contracted influenza—in addition to whichhe sufFored greatly from the heat in the Red Sen. Ho has left a widow, a son (Mr Richard Simpson, of Marlborough), and four daughters—Mrs Arthur Young and Mrs J. C. Peacock, of Wellington, and Mrs Holl and Mre Hobson, both now in London.