The Dictionary of Australasian Biography/Selby, Prideaux
Selby, Prideaux, Secretary of the Bank of Australasia, of the ancient family of the Selbys of Biddleston, Northumberland, through the Selbys of Beal, co. Durham, is the eldest son of George William Selby, by his marriage with Miss Penelope Earles, and was born in London, Dec. 9th, 1834. He arrived in Victoria with his parents by the ship China, May 2nd, 1840. Mr. Selby, sen., engaged in pastoral pursuits, and was one of the pioneers of the Anderson's Creek District, but removed to the Western District, whence he returned to Melbourne during the excitement which followed the gold discoveries in Victoria. Here he attained a high position in commercial and financial circles, and died at South Yarra, August 18th, 1890, at the advanced age of eighty-five years. The subject of this notice joined the service of the Bank of Australasia in 1858, was appointed manager at Dunedin, N.Z., in 1868, accountant Melbourne in 1870, Travelling Inspector in 1876, Secretary (chief officer in London) in 1879. He has contributed articles on the Theory of Taxation to the Melbourne Review, and to the Journal of the Bankers Institute, London, and is otherwise known as an independent thinker on economical subjects. Mr. Selby was married at Christchurch, South Yarra, on August 31st, 1864, to Rose Anne, daughter of John Wise.