Alexander Kerr (banker)

Alexander Kerr
Born	Template:Birth date Glasgow, Scotland
Died	June 17, 1909(1909-06-17) (aged 71) Kensington, London, England
Occupation	Banking professional
Known for	Inaugural manager of the Bank of New Zealand

Alexander Kerr F.R.G.S. (21 February 1838 – 17 June 1909) was a Scottish banking professional who served as the inaugural manager of the Bank of New Zealand.

In 1872, while residing in New Zealand, he was appointed a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, with Lord Dufferin acting as his sponsor.

Early life and education

Alexander Kerr was born on 21 February 1838 at Morrison's Court, 108 Argyle Street, Glasgow. He was the third offspring of Alexander Kerr (1800–1855), a merchant and shipowner, and Helen (Shanks) Kerr (1813–1848). His father lived at Florentine Bank House in Hillhead and specified in his will that his children should receive an excellent education, though they were entitled to their inheritance only upon reaching the age of 25.

Australia

Following his education in Glasgow, Kerr initially worked as a clerk before relocating in 1858 to the goldfields of Victoria, Australia. He joined the Oriental Bank Corporation’s branch in Castlemaine when it opened in 1861 and was appointed as the first manager of the Chewton branch in 1862. Additionally, from 1860, he served as a private in Rifle Corps No.1, a local volunteer unit.

Kerr became a Freemason at Mount Alexander Lodge in Castlemaine in 1863 and rose to the position of lodge master by 1866. Around 1864, he returned to manage the Castlemaine branch until his departure in 1867. Upon leaving, community members honored him with an ornate silver centrepiece, symbolizing their appreciation for his engagement in local charitable efforts and civic life.

This silver centrepiece was later inherited by his grandson but was stolen during a burglary in Manchester during the 1990s. Currently held by the National Gallery of Australia, it is believed that its original emu eggs were damaged and replaced with candle sconces.

London

In 1867, Kerr returned to London to work at the Oriental Bank’s head office as director of correspondence. He left this role in 1872 to accept a position with the Bank of New Zealand.

New Zealand

The National Bank of New Zealand was founded in London in 1872 and launched its first branch in Wellington in March 1873, with Alexander Kerr appointed as its first manager. His engagement by the London Board was for a three-year term, supported by recommendations from both his previous employer, the Oriental Banking Corporation, and Lord Dufferin. Prior to this, Kerr had experience working with the London & Victoria Bank.

In April 1875, Kerr assumed management of the Nelson branch, which had opened in October 1873. He later transferred to oversee the Oamaru branch starting February 1877 and remained there until his resignation in December 1881.

Kerr actively contributed to community organizations such as the Wellington Philosophical Society and participated on several charitable committees within Nelson and Oamaru. Local press praised his prudent approach to banking and his dedication to community service.

While managing the Oamaru branch, he addressed operational issues including pest control at bank facilities. Upon retirement, the North Otago Times commended his extensive banking career spanning more than two decades and announced plans for a public testimonial honoring his service. Following retirement from banking, Kerr engaged in business ventures within Oamaru, operating General Stores and Insurance services from premises located at the Colonial Bank of New Zealand Buildings until approximately September 1883.

England

Alexander moved back to Europe, establishing residences in Kensington, London and at 18 Rue du Pré-aux-Clercs, Faubourg Saint-Germain, Paris. He was employed by the African Banking Corporation. In March 1884, he took part in a gathering at the Royal Victoria Coffee Hall, Lambeth, celebrating Edward Payson Weston's achievement of completing a 5000-mile Temperance walk. This event was presided over by his brother, Dr. Norman Kerr.

Personal life

On 9 March 1871, Alexander wed Latitia Marie Marguerite Dumay (1846–1926), the daughter of Dr. Alexandre Dumay, a Professor of Medicine based in Paris. Their daughter Helen Ladoiska Elizabeth Jane Kerr was born that same year. His sons born in New Zealand were Alexander Victor Dufferin Dumay Kerr (born 1873 in Wellington), Victor Norman Dumay Kerr (born 1874 in Wellington), Archibald Dumay Kerr (born 1876 in Nelson), Norman Dumay Kerr (born 1882 in Oamaru), along with a daughter, Marie Delanoe Kerr (born 1879 in Oamaru). Another daughter, Jane Dolores Dumay Kerr, came into the world in Paris in 1885. Alexander also inherited properties from his brothers Archibald Kerr (who passed away in Fiji in 1868) and James Munn Kerr (deceased 1906 in Auckland).

Alexander passed away on 17 June 1909 at his home 'Trianon', located at 2 Scarsdale Terrace, Kensington. He was laid to rest alongside his wife and daughter Jane at St Mary Magdalen Roman Catholic Church, Mortlake.

External links

• Ernest Leviny Candelabrum c.1867