History of Dillon Bell in Timeline

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Dillon Bell

Sir Francis Dillon Bell was a prominent New Zealand politician in the late 19th century. He held significant roles, including the third Minister of Finance and the third Speaker of the House. Bell's influence extended beyond politics; the town of Bell Block near New Plymouth bears his name, commemorating his land purchase from the Puketapu iwi in 1849. Similarly, Bell Street in Whanganui is named in his honor. Notably, his son, Francis Henry Dillon Bell, followed in his footsteps and became the first New Zealand-born Prime Minister in 1925, marking a significant legacy for the Bell family in New Zealand's political history.


1925: Son Becomes Prime Minister

In 1925, Francis Henry Dillon Bell, son of Sir Francis Dillon Bell, became the first New Zealand-born Prime Minister.