BELL, GEORGE MEREDITH (1836-98) was born in Tasmania, where his father was Governor of the convict settlement. Educated at Hobart and Eton College, he returned to Australia, became a squatter and married. After the gold rush in Otago he bought the Waimea Plains estate from David McKellar (q.v.) and also Croydon; and sold them in 1878 to the New Zealand Agricultural Company. He proceeded to England to watch the interests of the vendors to the company, and about 1885 returned to New Zealand and bought Wantwood estate, where he resided till his death (on 10 Jun 1898). Bell took part in initiating the Waimea Plains railway and assisted in many ways to develop the district. He was a prominent supporter of the Southland Agricultural and Pastoral Association and helped to promote the Southland Freezing Co. He represented Oteramika in the Southland Provincial Council (1869-70) but declined to stand for Parliament. He was president of the Southland Racing Club and was a keen supporter of the Birchwood Hunt Club.

Beattie, ii; Otago Daily Times, 5 Jul 1898.

Reference: Volume 1, page 48

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