George Gray

George Gray was born in 1849 near Southampton, where he afterwards became teacher of Chemistry at the Hartley Institution. He held this position till 1874, and was then appointed assistant to Professor Bickerton, who was about to leave England to become first Professor of Chemistry and Physics at Canterbury College, Christchurch, New Zealand. At this College Mr. Gray stayed from 1874-1883, where on the retirement of Mr. Barkas (the first lecturer in Chemistry) he was appointed to his position at Lincoln.

He was on three occasions Acting-Director and retired in 1915. On that occasion he was the recipient of a handsome address and presentation from the large number of old students who had the benefit of his teaching, and from that date until hsis death he lived quietly in the village of Lincoln.

Mr. Gray took little part in public life, but was secretary of the Canterbury Philosophical Institute from 1881-83. His scientific workings were concerned chiefly with the analysis of stock foods and manures and analysis of rain water and with the reactions between lime and superphosphate.

He was of a quiet and retiring disposition, a loyal worker, and a loyal and disinterested friend. Many generations of students regarded Mr. Gray with feelings of affection and esteem.

He died on February 23rd, 1934, at his New Zealand home in his 85th year. Mrs. and Miss Gray were still living in Lincoln. Mr. Colin Gray was farming near Orari, and Mr. Harry Gray near the Bay of Islands.

F.C.S., Chemist 1883-1915