George Snelson

George Matthew Snelson (22 November 1837 – 31 October 1901) was the first Mayor of Palmerston North and is considered Palmerston North's founding father. He was an ironmonger, a storekeeper and a community leader.[1]

George Snelson
1st Mayor of Palmerston North
In office
9 August 1877 – 1879
Succeeded byJames Linton
In office
1883–1884
Preceded byFrits Jenssen
Succeeded byJames Linton
In office
1889–1892
Preceded bySolomon Abrahams
Succeeded byRobert Edwards
In office
1901 – 31 October 1901
Preceded byHenry Haydon
Succeeded byWilliam Thomas Wood
Personal details
Born
George Matthew Snelson

(1837-11-22)22 November 1837
Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, England
Died31 October 1901(1901-10-31) (aged 63)
Palmerston North, New Zealand
SpouseLouisa Matilda Buck
Childrentwo (both died as infants)

Early life
Plaque on the Palmerston North City Library, commemorating Snelson's first store
Cluny Park homestead in circa 1894

Snelson was born in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, England, on 22 November 1837. His parents were James Snelson (coach manufacturer) and Mary (née Halford). He left school when he was 15 to learn the trade of ironmonger and hardware merchant in Melton Mowbray. At age 19, he moved to Bedford for new employment.[1]

He came to New Zealand on 21 February 1863 aboard the Earl of Windsor, arriving in Wellington.[1][2]

He married Louisa Matilda (née Buck, b. 1844 in Wellington) on 6 July 1865.[1] For a time, he owned the Cluny Park homestead on Rangitikei Line.[3]

Political activity

Mayor of Palmerston North

Snelson was elected mayor seven times.[4] He and his wife are regarded as the father and the mother of Palmerston North.[1] He was the mayor of Palmerston North's first council, elected unopposed on 9 August 1877. The first council had nine members. He served until 1879.[5]

He was again elected in 1883–1884, and then 1889–1892. He died during his seventh term in office in 1901.[6][7]

On 8 November 1901, the borough councillors elected a new mayor. Two councillors contested the mayoralty, and William Thomas Wood beat Fred Pirani 6 to 4. Councillor Pirani resigned from his seat afterwards on the grounds that he had been misled.[8]

Parliamentary contender

Snelson stood for Parliament in 1879 and 1893, but was unsuccessful on both occasions.[1][2]

Death

Snelson died at his home in Palmerston North on 31 October 1901,[9] and was buried in Terrace End Cemetery.[10] He was survived by his wife, who died on 15 December 1919 during a visit to Whanganui.[2] Snelson Street in Palmerston North is named after the Snelsons.[1]

References
  1. Wigglesworth, Roger (22 June 2007). "Snelson, George Mathew 1837–1901; Snelson, Louisa Matilda 1844–1919". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Retrieved 22 February 2010.
  2. "Wellington Provincial District – Ex-Mayors". The Cyclopedia of New Zealand. Wellington: The Cyclopedia Company Limited. 1897. p. 1147. Retrieved 23 February 2010.
  3. "MORE INFO →'Cluny Park' homestead, Rangitikei Line". Manawatū Heritage. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  4. "1900s". Palmerston North: Palmerston North City Council. Retrieved 22 February 2010.
  5. "1870s". Palmerston North: Palmerston North City Council. Retrieved 22 February 2010.
  6. "1880s". Palmerston North: Palmerston North City Council. Retrieved 22 February 2010.
  7. "1890s". Palmerston North: Palmerston North City Council. Archived from the original on 9 January 2010. Retrieved 22 February 2010.
  8. "A Mayoral Election". The Star. No. 7249. Christchurch. 9 November 1901. pp. Page 4. Retrieved 24 February 2010.
  9. "Death". Manawatu Standard. 2 November 1901. p. 2. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  10. "Cemetery and cremation detail". Palmerston North City Council. Archived from the original on 14 December 2014. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
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