MEREDITH, RICHARD (1843-1918) was born in County Carlow, Ireland, educated at Tullow public school, and became a school teacher. In 1863 he came to New Zealand in the Accrington, and for 25 years was engaged in teaching (1863-88). In 1889 he began farming on Moeraki downs, and in 1890 was elected to represent Ashley in the House of Representatives. He held the seat until 1902, but was beaten for the new Hurunui electorate. For nine years Meredith was chairman of the M to Z public petitions committee. He was for 44 years chairman of the local school committee, for six years a member of the North Canterbury education board (chairman 1892) and later a member of the Technical School committee and the Timaru High School board. Meredith was also a member of the Canterbury land board for 15 years (1891-1906) and of the Farmers' Union. After settling in Waimate, he was president of the local branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society, a lay preacher in the Methodist Church, and Sunday School superintendent. He was a leading Orangeman. He died on 20 Aug 1918.

N.Z.P.D., 25 Oct 1918; Cycl. N.Z., iii; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; The Press, 21 Aug 1918.

Reference: Volume 2, page 43

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