Notable South Australians/Alfred William Meeks
Alfred William Meeks
WAS born at Cheltenham, England, and at an early age arrived in Victoria. He received his education at St James' and other prominent schools, and graduated as a teacher. He entered the employ of a mercantile house, from which he was transferred to more important appointments, becoming salesman and manager of a large Victorian import business; here arrangements were made for his admission to the partnership, but circumstances arose which necessitated the principal residing in England, whither he went, and ultimately retired from business. He was next appointed manager of Messrs. Gibbs, Bright & Co.'s (then Bright Bros. & Co.) indent and sales department, in which he was very successful. In 1883, upon the London house (Messrs. Antony Gibbs & Sons) deciding to establish a branch in Adelaide, Mr. Meeks was selected for this important duty. Under his direction this branch has grown very rapidly, and already assumed a foremost position in mercantile ranks. Since his residence in Adelaide he has occupied a prominent place in mercantile affairs, as witnessed by his appointment to a seat on the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, S.A. Corn Trade, Association, and other kindred societies. Mr. Meeks has also taken an active part in the working of some of our religious and charitable institutions, such as the S.A. Sunday School Union and the Industrial School for the Blind. A few remarks relative to the firm of Messrs. Gibbs, Bright & Co., with which Mr. Meeks is so actively connected, will not be out of place here. This firm is a branch of the well-known London house of Messrs, Antony Gibbs & Sons, and although but a comparatively short time established here, it has for many years occupied one of the leading positions in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Dunedin. The other houses are Messrs. Antony Gibbs, Sons & Co., Liverpool and Bristol, and Messrs. Gibbs & Co., Valparaiso and Iquique (S. America). As shippers and owners of the celebrated steamship Great Britain the name of Gibbs, Bright & Co. has become a household word in many lands.