SOLOMON, SAUL (1857-1937), the son of Abraham Solomon (sometime chairman of the Dunedin benevolent trustees), was born in Melbourne and came to Dunedin with his parents in 1861. He was educated at the old Stone School (afterwards Union Street) and at Albany Street (where Stout was teaching). A bright, studious pupil, he won a scholarship at the Otago Boys' High School, where in 1871 he tied for dux with A. J. Park and E. H. Wilmot. He won a junior University scholarship when too young to hold it and, proceeding to the University in 1872, had a brilliant career. In one year he gained senior scholarships in four subjects out of seven. He graduated B.A. in 1877, the second graduate of Otago University (the first being P. S. Hay 1876).

Solomon then took up the study of medicine, but after about a year decided to read law and was articled to the firm of Sievwright and Stout, in which he became head of the common law branch (Mondy being head of the conveyancing). He was admitted to the bar in 1879, and in 1883 commenced to practise for himself. Great ability and thoroughness, and a remarkable faculty for concentration quickly took him to a foremost place in the profession. He acted as counsel before important royal commissions; defended many criminals, including Carl Matson (charged with murder of his wife in 1896); and acted in celebrated libel actions (notably against The Globe 1893 and for W. F. Massey against the New Zealand Times). He also acted for the liquidator of the J. G. Ward Farmers Co. He was one of the first King's Counsel appointed in New Zealand (1907). He retired from the bar some years before his death. Solomon had many useful activities in public life. In 1907 he entered the Mornington borough council, and later was mayor (1912-13). He was chairman of the hospital trustees (1907-08). He was a keen horticulturist and was for some years president of the Dunedin society. He was an active member of the Dunedin Dramatic club, president of the Amateur Boating club and second president of Dunedin Rotary. On the turf Solomon had a successful career. He became a member of the committee of the Dunedin J.C. in 1896 and was vice-president 1899-1904. Amongst the horses that he owned were the St Clair gelding Blazer (who won £4,336 in stakes), Beadonwell and Britomarte. He also drove a crack team in double harness.

Solomon married Clara Mongredien, a well-known amateur singer. He died on 29 Jun 1937.

Otago Daily Times, 30 Jun 1937.

Reference: Volume 2, page 160

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