George Downer
Alexander George Downer (28 January 1839 – 17 August 1916), usually known as George, or A. G. Downer, was a prominent South Australian businessman and a partner with his brother Sir John Downer in the legal firm G & J Downer.[1]
History
George Downer was born in Adelaide, the son of Henry Downer. He was educated at Francis Haire's Academy and while quite young was articled to the firm of Bartley, Bakewell & Stow, whose principals included Randolph Isham Stow. He combined study of law, for which he had a ready talent, with journalism, and was for a time editor of the (Adelaide) Telegraph. He was admitted to the bar in 1868. His brother John had only recently qualified and the two entered into partnership. The firm G & J Downer prospered and was eventually taken over by Frank H. and J. Fred Downer, sons of his brothers Henry Edward and John respectively.
His only attempt at a position in Parliament was in 1870 when he contested the seat of Gumeracha against Ebenezer Ward and Arthur Blyth. He was unsuccessful.[2]
Around 1880 he was appointed by the government to a Pastoral Commission and was in a large part responsible for lengthening the tenure of leases of Crown lands.
He never married. After his death at his (ca.170) South Terrace residence, his Adelaide Hills property "Monalta" (previously known as "Hope Lodge")[3] near the Belair railway station, was subdivided. The mansion eventually became Blackwood District Community Hospital.[4] Sir John, his brother, had predeceased him on 2 August 1915 and his sister Amelia Rivaz had died on 21 July 1916.
Business activities
He was much in demand for his business acumen as well as his knowledge of mercantile law. For around twenty years he was a
- director of China Traders Company
- trustee of Harrold Brothers
- director, Norwich Union Assurance Company
- director, Elder, Smith, & Co. from 1892[5]
- director Bank of Adelaide from around 1894 and Chairman for most of that time
He relinquished these positions in May 1914 as his health deteriorated.
- He invested in a northern pastoral property which was resumed by the Government, then in 1888 a share of Minburra station and an adjoining property, making Melton Station, about 40 km from Yunta.
References
- ^ "A Splendid Citizen". The Chronicle. Adelaide: National Library of Australia. 19 August 1916. p. 37. Retrieved 13 November 2012.
- ^ "A Versatile Personality". The Register. Adelaide: National Library of Australia. 9 October 1917. p. 6. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
- ^ "Missionary Students Migrating". The Register. Adelaide: National Library of Australia. 7 May 1907. p. 4. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
- ^ "Out Among the People". The Advertiser. Adelaide: National Library of Australia. 18 November 1953. p. 4. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
- ^ "Elder,Smith & Co., Limited". The Advertiser. Adelaide: National Library of Australia. 1 September 1936. p. 32. Retrieved 14 November 2012.