Samuel Edward Shrimski was born in Poznan in 1828. Poznan
was in those days part of Prussia which was in the time of
the 18th century still a large European power. It is known
that Mr. Shrimski moved to London in 1847 where he became
a merchant. Later he emigrated to Melbourne, the capital of
the Australian state of Victoria, (in 1859). He moved again
in 1861, this time as a colonist to New Zealand. He was appointed
by the government in Oamaru as a land auctioneer.
Samuel Edward was also involved in politics. He was elected
as mayor several times. He was elected and also three times
re-elected to the House of Representatives as a member for
Oamaru. He was also active in other areas . He held the offices
of chairman of the educational board of North Otago and treasurer
of the hospital board. His wife laid the first stone of the
new hospital. In addition he was vice-president of the Otago
branch of the Anglo-Jewish Association. He was appointed as
a member of the Legislative Councel for living in 1885. He
is most often remembered today for his efforts in the fields
of education and human rights. Samuel Edward Shrimski died
on June 25, 1902.
We have already spoken of Mr. Shrimski on our page’Worldwide’,
‘New Zealand – Oamaru’. He was the founder
of the Waitaki Boys High School. In this school God’s
name, in Hebrew, is placed on their school crest. The school
crest can be seen throughout the buildings.
A picture of the schoolcrest.
Another remarkable fact is that every
year four brothers of the family Shrimski give an annual prestigious
prize in his name and in name of their father. This prize
is a citizenship prize. The recipient is someone who has shown
outstanding qualities in Leadership and Community Service.
© family Shrimski, by kind courtesy
Behind two doors, God’s name is
written on a radiating sun, placed behind two doors. On the
picture part of God’s name in Hebrew is visible.
© family Shrimski, by kind courtesy
