McNEIL, ALEXANDER (1833-1915) was born in Scotland, being a brother of General John McNeil and Sir Malcolm McNeil. He was the last laird of Colonsay, Argyllshire. Receiving his commission in the Royal Engineers, he had long service in India, particularly in the Mutiny, in which he was present from the beginning at Meerut to the fall of Delhi. He was in charge of important railway and road works at this time and later. Retiring from the army, McNeil settled in Southland and (with his brother Malcolm) took up Ardlussa station. He was member of the Southland Provincial Council for Oreti (1869-70) and of Parliament for Wallace (1866-69). In the eighties he sold out and settled at Aramoho, Wanganui, where he farmed for 30 years. He died on 17 May 1915.

Parltry Record; Wanganui Chronicle, 18, 21 May 1915. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 24

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