BROWNING, SAMUEL (1802-88) was born in London, his father holding a position in the General Post Office. He entered business life and became a member of a firm of shipowners. In 1830 he went on a tour to the Rocky mountains and in 1840 sailed to Australia in the Sea Horse. He visited all the colonies and spent a year travelling in the interior of China, where he saw something of the war. Equipped with wide experience gained in travel abroad, Browning took part in 1847 in obtaining the repeal of the navigation laws in the interest of foreign shipping visiting English ports. He gave evidence before a select committee of Parliament.

Some time later Browning came to Australia as managing inspector of the Royal Bank of Australia, and wound up its affairs. In 1855 he came to reside in Auckland. He took part in many commercial undertakings, being a director of the Bank of New Zealand and the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co. and the New Zealand Insurance Co. His death occurred on 11 Jun 1888. A daughter married General Sir Trevor Chute (q.v.).

N.Z. Herald, 12 Jun 1888, 18 Feb 1889.

Reference: Volume 1, page 69

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