Samuel Manning
Samuel Manning | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1841 Suffolk, England |
| Died | 1933-11-21 |
| Occupation(s) | Brewer, politician |
| Known for | Mayor of Christchurch (1890) |
Samuel Manning (1841 – 21 November 1933) was a prominent New Zealand brewer and served as the Mayor of Christchurch in 1890.
Early life and family
Born in Suffolk in 1841, Manning received his early education at a primary school in Needham Market. He emigrated to New Zealand with his father and three siblings, arriving at Lyttelton on 23 December 1856 aboard the Egmont, the same vessel that carried Bishop Harper and his family.
On 11 July 1861, Manning wed Ellen Piper at St Michael's Church. She passed away on 8 December 1894 at the age of 54 and was interred at Barbadoes Street Cemetery. At that time, the couple resided in a home named Addiscombe located at the intersection of Ferry Road and Fitzgerald Avenue.
He remarried on 3 July 1897, taking as his wife Margaret Mary Innes, a widow and daughter of William Healy from Nelson.
Professional life
Following in the footsteps of his father William, Manning pursued a career as a maltster and brewer. Initially engaged in agriculture until 1860, he then joined his father’s brewing operations until 1864 at the Suffolk Brewery situated on Barbadoes Street near Moorhouse Avenue. In 1865, he established his own brewing enterprise, S. Manning and Co, based on Ferry Road. Although he sold the business in 1882, he continued to act as managing director until 1889.
Subsequently, Manning held directorships on several influential companies such as the Mutual Benefit Building Society, Provident and Industrial Insurance Company, Crown Iron Works Company, and the Kaiapoi Woollen Company.
Political career
Manning’s public service began with his election to the Heathcote Road Board in 1875, followed by membership on the Drainage Board in 1882. He was elected to Christchurch City Council in 1885 and secured re-election in 1888.
In 1889, when invited to stand for mayoralty, Manning was elected without opposition after William Prudhoe declined to run. His mayoral inauguration took place on 18 December 1889.
However, in the subsequent mayoral election held in November 1890, Charles Gray defeated him by securing 665 votes compared to Manning’s 492. Gray assumed office on 17 December 1890.
Throughout his time on council, Manning was a strong proponent of incorporating surrounding boroughs into Christchurch city—a consolidation that was finalized in 1903.
Death and commemoration
Manning passed away on 21 November 1933 at his residence on Holly Road in St Albans. He was laid to rest at Barbadoes Street Cemetery. In recognition of his contributions, Manning Street in Woolston bears his name.