Biography

George Edward Harrap (1856 - 1937) Born at Westbury on 18^th August 1856, George was the son of Alfred Harrap and Amelia, formerly Tobin, daughter of Commander Tobin of Launceston.

George was educated at the Launceston Church Grammar School, and on entering the business community, was first employed at the Commercial Bank of Tasmania, then the Bank of Australasia. He spent a few years working in New South Wales and Victoria, and on his return to Launceston, entered his father's wool, grain and general produce business, established in 1857. On the death of his father in 1893, George became manager of the firm. At the time it was called "Alfred Harrap & Son Pty. Ltd." and was registered as such in July 1900. The firm was incorporated in January 1924, and George, with J. A. Bain and G. O. Meredith, were appointed the first directors.

George Harrap was keenly interested in civic affairs. He was appointed Justice of the Peace from 1894, and Vice-Consul for Norway and Sweden in 1891, on his father's retirement from that post, and was created a Knight of the Order of St. Olaf by the King of Norway.

In military affairs in Launceston, he was given the command of the Launceston Artillery with the rank of colonel. During the 1914-1918 war he was given charge over censorship in Tasmania, he being not able to enlist for active service.

He was interested in the theatre and was a foundation member of the Amateur Dramatic Club formed in 1889.

He was a member of the Board of Management of the Launceston Church Grammar School from 1913 to 1936, and chairman for a time. He was a member of the Executive of the Launceston Bank for Savings and several times chairman of the bank's General Committee.

He was an original shareholder in 1901, and later chairman, of the Tasmanian Permanent Executors and Trustees Association. He was president of the Launceston Chamber of Commerce, the National Agricultural & Pastoral Society and the Launceston Club. He supported the Victoria League, and was a member of St. John's Church and sang in the choir. He was also a foundation member of the Launceston Bowling Club and founding president of the Launceston Players.

George Harrap died on 21^st June 1937 in Launceston. At the Grammar School Chapel a window was erected to his memory. The subject is 'The Call of St. Andrew and St. Peter'. The inscription reads:
A.M.D.G. IN MEMORY OF
GEORGE EDWARD HARRAP
A FORMER CHAIRMAN AND MEMBER OF
THE SCHOOL BOARD OF MANAGEMENT 1913-1936.
FAITHFULL Y HE SERVED GOD KING AND COUNTRY.
MOS PATRIUS ET DISCIPLINA.

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