SHRIMSKI, SAMUEL EDWARD (1828-1902) was born at Posen, Prussian Poland, and received his early education there. He was then for 12 years in London engaged in mercantile life, and at the end of the fifties emigrated to Melbourne. He entered into one of the gold rushes and in 1861 came to Otago and settled at Oamaru as draper and storekeeper. He was in partnership with Joseph Moss until 1870, when he carried on alone as auctioneer and Government land agent. He became very prominent in the life of the community, being a borough councillor (1868) and mayor of Oamaru (1871), the originator and first chairman of the Waitaki High School (1879-82), a member of the education board and the harbour board, treasurer of the hospital trustees and a founder of the Athenaeum. He represented Waitaki in Parliament (1876-81) and Oamaru (1881-85). On retiring from the House of Representatives he was called to the Legislative Council, of which he was a member until his death (on 25 Jun 1902). Shrimski married Deborah, daughter of W. H. Neumegen (Auckland).

N.Z.P.D., 1876-1902 (notably 1 Jul 1902); K. C. McDonald (p); Cycl. N.Z., iv; Parltry Record; Otago Daily Times and N.Z. Herald, 26 Jun 1902. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 153

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