Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/556

 DJ^ ADELAIDE AND VICINITY Mr. Alfred Muller Simpson IF the motive springs of each individual life — no matter how high or low — could be fathomed and analysed, the onlookers would learn something highly instructive and edifying. Emerson repeatedly set forth that each person has a predilection for some sphere. I'nconsciously, and often in self-delusion, the motive springs draw him to the point for which his character and attainments fit him. Those inward impulses are as helms on the sea of life. Alfred Muller Simpson was born in London more than 50 years ago. His father, Mr. A. Simpson, founded the South Australian firm of A. Simpson and Son. In 1848 the family came to the Province on the [ohn Woodhall, Mr. A. M. Simp-son being then an infant. Since that year his home has been in South Australia, so that to all intents and purposes he may be considered an Australian native. After leaving school young Simpson entered his father's business house ; and, as in old- established houses in PIngland, he worked his way through its various departments to a partner- ship. The transmitted (jualities, the proved and acceptable routine established by years of experience. Mora, Photo explain much of the success of a family house of business men. In course of years, Mr. Simpson's aptitude for business was abundantly demonstrated. He proved himself a worthy assistant and successor to his father, and from a young man fresh from school bent on learning a business, he graduated to a master who could decide large issues and departures. Mr. Simpson was gifted with a business-like, shrewd mind, and his abilities have carried him into the first rank ol Adelaide business men. As a matter of fact, the firm of A. Simpson & Son is known as the largest business of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Mr. Simpson was one of the founders of the Adelaide and Suburban Tramwav Comi)anv, of which he is still a Director and he holds a similar position on the Board of the .South Australian Gas Company.