Sir George Harper (24 April 1843 – 12 March 1937) was an English-born New Zealand lawyer. From a large family, he was a son of the inaugural bishop of Christchurch, Henry Harper, and he arrived in Christchurch in 1858 at age 15, two years after his father. He completed his education in Christchurch and farmed for a few years before commencing law. Embroiled in an embezzlement case by his brother Leonard, he was bankrupted and removed from the bar for five years. After readmission, he set up his own practice. Like his parents, he had a large family; three of his boys were killed in World War I. Harper was involved in a number of community initiatives, clubs and societies, and was knighted shortly before his death. He died aged 93 and had outlived his wife and most of his children.
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Early life
Harper was born at Stratfield Mortimer in Berkshire, England. His father was Henry Harper. One of fifteen children, he was the fourth son. Emily (1830–1905) was his eldest sister, and Henry (1833–1922) and Leonard (1837–1915) were elder brothers. He received his education at Radley College and then Eton College. His parents, four brothers and a sister went to New Zealand in 1856 for his father to take up his role as the inaugural bishop of Christchurch. He followed them two years later, arriving on the Regina on 15 November 1858; William Rolleston was another cabin passenger. In Christchurch, he completed his education at Christ's College (1859–1862). He was a Rowley scholar in 1860 and elected senior Somes scholar in 1861.