Thomas Robb

Organization is the watchword of the age. Promotion in every field of endeavor is brought about through the agency of organized effort and cooperation, and thorough study of each situation constitutes the basis of effort in this direction. This spirit and tendency of the age has led to the formation of many companies or societies for the benefit of business interests and it is in this connection that Thomas Robb is known, being manager and secretary of the Shipping Federation of Canada. A native of Scotland, he was born in the city of Glasgow in the year 1863, his father being the late Thomas Robb, who for some years was superintendent of police in Glasgow. Spending his youthful days in that city, the son pursued his education in the public schools and in the Glasgow Academy. Mr. Robb came to Canada first in 1883 and spent one year at farming in the Niagara district. Returning to England he became identified with the shipping interests and in connection therewith was located at different periods in Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. He returned to Canada in 1902 and upon the organization of the Shipping Federation of Canada, which is incorporated by act of the Dominion parliament, he was chosen manager and secretary. He still continues in the dual position, his efforts being of marked value to the organization in promoting its object and accomplishing its purpose as he is actively engaged in all matters relating to navigation and shipping. In 1913 Mr. Robb was appointed member of the royal commission appointed to inquire into and report upon the “Law Respecting Pilotage” and its administration in the pilotage district of Montreal and Quebec.

In 1891 Mr. Robb was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth McLaren, a daughter of Andrew McLaren. Their religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church and Mr. Robb belongs to St. Andrew’s Society. He is a justice of the peace for Montreal and district. He is likewise a member of the Engineers Club and of the Canadian Club and has gained the warm friendship of many in both organizations.