George Page (mayor)

Page was born in Bilston, Staffordshire, England on 31 March 1878 and his family migrated to New Zealand in 1879.[1] His father was also named George.[2]

Page attended Hampton Street Primary School, Nelson.[3] He also played in the Nelson Garrison Band under Herr Gustav Handke and was noted as a fine musician.[4] In December 1898 Page joined his father's furniture making business, George Page and Sons.[5] When his father died in 1912 he had become its Managing Director.

He married Mary Highet, the daughter of T M Highet, on 27 April 1905 at Roseneath, Wellington.[6] The Pages had two sons and three daughters.

Page represented Nelson in cricket and rugby. He was also involved in setting up the Nelson Basketball League in 1925.[7]

He was also a keen worker in youth movements and was a Director of the YMCA. He was first chairman of the Friendly Society Dispensary-Board and of the Starr-Bowkett Society. Page served on the Nelson Licensing Committee.

Page died at Nelson in 1972, and was buried at Marsden Valley Cemetery, Stoke.[8]

He became a City Councillor in 1929[9] and was Chair of the local Unemployment Committee for three years (1931–1934) and president of the Smith Family since its inception.

In 1935 he stood for the Mayoralty against H E A Washbourne and was elected by 2699 votes to 1407.[10][11] During his term as Mayor Nelson Airport was constructed.[12]

Page did not stand in 1941 due to ill health and Edgar Neale, the Deputy Mayor, replaced him.