BELL, GEORGE (1809-99) was born at Hull, Yorkshire, his father being an official of the customs. He received a good classical education at a private school and served his apprenticeship to a mercantile firm, after which he became accountant and salesman to a firm in York. Owing to the closing down of a sugar refinery with which he was connected he became superintendent of a manufacturing establishment at Sheffield. There he taught himself shorthand, became interested in the anti-corn law agitation and published a brochure on the currency. He was of a religious disposition and took a great interest in Sunday school work. In 1852 Bell came to Melbourne, where he became a government shorthand writer, was engaged in the law courts and assisted in establishing a parliamentary Hansard staff for the South Australian Advertiser. In 1863 he came to Dunedin and was appointed to the reporting staff of the Otago Daily Times and for some time edited the Witness. In 1869 he helped to establish the Independent and a little later bought the Star, with which he amalgamated the Independent. In 1872 he brought out a morning issue of the Star to prevent another morning paper being established. This paper was sold in 1873 to the Guardian company, which also took over the Southern Mercury. In 1894 the Star was taken over by a company and Bell retired. He died on 4 Feb 1899.

Paul; Evening Star, 4 Feb 1899.

Reference: Volume 1, page 48

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