Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), Friday 23 February 1900, page 4


CAPTAIN SUMMERBELL.

SUDDEN DEATH THIS MORNING. AN OLD SHIPPING IDENTITY.

Another old identity in shipping circles, in the person of Captain Thomas Summerbell, passed away this morning. Death occurred suddenly at his residence, 10 Fitzroy-street, North Sydney, at 7.20, and when the sad news was received in the city genuine expressions of sympathy and regret were heard on all sides. The deceased captain will be well remembered as the energetic mana-

ger of the North Shore Ferry Company, having taken charge, exactly twenty-one years ago, on last Anniversary Day. During that time the com-pany has grown into one of the largest institutions of this city, and it was undoubtedly due to his wonderful shrewdness and business ca-pacity that the company enjoys its present posi-tion. Prior to entering the North Shore Ferry Company, or, as it is now known, the Sydney Ferries, Limited, he was associated with the new Hunter River Steamship Company, and had command of several of the vessels of that fleet, and also held the position of marine super-intendent. A few weeks since Captain Summer-bell was granted leave of absence by the directors of the Sydney Ferries, Limited, prior to his relin-quishing his post, and last night only the em-ployees of the company, by way of recognising their appreciation of his services, during the long years of his management, made him several pre-sentations. The deceased captain was 72 years of age, and resided with his wife and daughter at the address stated above. It is supposed that apoplexy was the cause of death.