# George Down

George Down (12 July 1847 – 8 July 1934) was an accountant and politician in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. He began his civic career when he became part of the Booroodabin Divisional Board in 1880 and remained a member 1903. In that year the board became absorbed into the Town of Brisbane. On 31 March 1903 after a legislative change the Town of Brisbane became the City of Brisbane. He was Mayor of Brisbane from 1903 - 1916.
In addition to his duties on the Brisbane City Council, he was one of the first trustees of the Brisbane Cricket Ground. He was also treasurer of the Local Authorities Association and the secretary of the Queensland Protestant Federation. George was also a very keen musician; he was choir master of the Fortitude Valley Methodist Church and "in the 80's was the pillar and mainstay of the Bowen Hills Musical Society" He conducted the Choral Union in the first Queensland inter-city Eisteddfod, which was held in Brisbane in 1888, and was treasurer of the 1913 Brisbane Eisteddfod.
He was 87 years old when he died in July 1934.
MR. GEORGE DOWN DEAD. Long and Honourable Career. Former Mayor of Brisbane; Brisbane Telegraph, Monday 9 July 1934, page 8
Within a few days of his 87th birthday Mr. George Down passed peacefully away at his home yesterday afternoon. He was a notable figure in civic life in Brisbane and he was prominent also in the realms of music and cricket. He was Mayor of Brisbane in 1915-16, and was a foundation member of the Queensland Cricket Association. Mr. Down was born at Kapunda, South Australia, on July 12, 1847, and was brought to Queensland when two years old. Except for a period at Ipswich, he spent the whole of his life in Brisbane. Mr. Down for many years was managing clerk for Messrs. Flower and Hart, solicitors, and afterwards was in business as an accountant. He was married by Rev. James Matthews to Rebecca, the younger daughter of the late Mr. John Walter Howe, of Brisbane, on May 8, 1872, and the couple celebrated their diamond wedding in 1932. Since his retirement from active life he had resided quietly at his home, Westwell, in Jeays Street, Bowen Hills, which had been his home for 59 years. In that house 10 of his 12 children were born. Of late years Mr. Down was seen only occasionally in the city, but he always made a special effort to attend big cricket matches. A member of the Booroodabin Divisional Board from the beginning, in 1880, Mr. Down was chairman of that body in 1903, when it was absorbed into the Brisbane City Council. He became a member of the City Council and served the city well in that capacity for many years. On one occasion he contested the Valley seat in the Queensland Legislative Assembly, but be was unsuccessful. His retirement dates from the end of his term as Mayor of Brisbane in 1916.
MANY INTERESTS.
Mr. Down was energetic and thorough in all his activities. He took a very close, interest in cricket from boyhood. He was one of the original trustees of the Brisbane Cricket Ground, his colleagues being the late Hon. T, J. Byrnes and the late Hon. E. J. Stevens. He was managing trustee for many years. He enjoyed cricket not only as a spectator but as a player for he was a member of the old Bowen Hills club, and captain of the famous Albert team. He rendered valuable service as a member of the executive of the Queensland Cricket Association and on his retirement was appointed senior vice-president The decision of the Brisbane Rugby League to return to the Brisbane Cricket Ground for its big matches was a source of gratification to him in his old age, and he told one of his sons that he was glad that he had lived to see that day.
CHURCH AND WAR WORK AND MUSIC.
Mr. Down had other interests than his business and cricket He was secretary arid treasurer of the Valley Methodist Church for 27 years and conductor of the choir of that church for over 30 years. He was one of the musical directors of the International Exhibition in Brisbane in 1897. (Queen Victoria's Jubilee year). He was also conductor of the old Brisbane Choral Union Choir for several years, and under his direction that choir won many distinctions at Eisteddfodau. The deceased gentleman was a foundation member of the Anzac committee, a member of the Queensland War Council, and a foundation member of the Bible in State Schools League. His many-sided activities included also the secretaryship for many years of the Queensland Protestant Federation and the secretaryship of the Queensland Local Authorities' Association.
INSPIRING HELPMATE.
Mrs. Down is life president of the Women's Help Society of the Valley Methodist Church, and in all her husband's interests she gave inspiring help. On the occasion of the diamond wedding celebration Rev. B. Frederick, minister of the Valley church, at a special service paid a warm tribute to Mr. and Mrs. Down as church people and as citizens, and made a presentation to them on behalf of the officers and members of the church. Mrs. C. E. Daniels, the eldest daughter, made the cakes for the silver, golden and diamond jubilees of her parents' wedding.
TEN CHILDREN SURVIVE.
Mrs. Down and 10 of the 12 children of the union survive, namely, Mesdames C. E. Daniels, G. W. Shapley (Port Lincoln, South Australia), F. W. Ash, and R. C. Werry, Miss Ethel Down, and Messrs. W. G., A. E.. W. J., H. E.. and V. R. H. Down. Miss F. Down died at the age of 21 years, and a son, George, was killed in the Great War. There are 24 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. The funeral this afternoon to the Toowong Cemetery was private.