SWAN, GEORGE HENRY (1833-1913) was a native of Sunderland, England, where he was educated; and he trained as a chemist in Newcastle-on-Tyne. He went to Australia (1851) and was in business at Dunolly. Arriving in Wellington in 1857, he started a photographer's establishment in partnership with Wrigglesworth, and in 1864 opened a branch at Napier, which was afterwards sold to S. Carnell (1870). In 1869 he purchased the White Swan brewery, of which he had been a shareholder and managing director since 1866. He was on the borough council from 1876 and was mayor of Napier (1885-1901). During his term he originated the esplanade project as a protective work and also the salt-water swimming baths. He was M.H.R. for Napier (1890-93), chairman of the hospital board and the Hawkes Bay united charitable aid board, and 17 years a member of the harbour board. In 1904 he moved to Wanganui.

Who's Who N.Z., 1908; N.Z.P.D., 30 Jul 1913; Cycl. N.Z., vi (p).

Reference: Volume 2, page 180

🌳 Further sources