SUMPTER, GEORGE (1836-1900) was born in Middlesex, England, emigrated to South Australia as a young man, and in 1861 came to Oamaru, where he was in business as a grain merchant and land and estate agent for many years. On the incorporation of the borough he became town clerk. He represented Waitaki in the Provincial Council (1871-75) and was for some time a member of the executive (1875). He was one of the first governors of the Waitaki Boys High School (1879); chairman of the public school committee, 15 years chairman of the harbour board and some time mayor of Oamaru. For 30 years he held a commission in the volunteers, rising from ensign (1871) to lieut-colonel (1889) and commanding the district for a while. Sumpter married (1858) a daughter of R. S. Newell (Chichester, England). He died on 11 Nov 1900.

Cycl. N.Z., iv; K. C. McDonald (p); Otago Daily Times, 12 Nov 1900.

Reference: Volume 2, page 177

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