Sir Francis Henry Dillon Bell (31 March 1851 – 13 March 1936) was a New Zealand lawyer and politician who served as the 20th prime minister of New Zealand from 14 to 30 May 1925. He was the first New Zealand-born prime minister, holding office in a caretaker capacity following the death of William Massey. After finishing high school, he travelled to England where he attended St John's College, Cambridge, receiving a BA in 1873. On returning to New Zealand, he began practising law in Wellington, being involved in Bell, Gully, MacKenzie and Evans.

Bell served as Crown Solicitor in Wellington from 1878 to 1890, and from 1902 to 1910. He was a prominent member of both the local and national law societies. He served as the latter's president from 1901 to 1918. They had four daughters and four sons. His son William Henry Dillon Bell (1884–1917) was a Member of Parliament, but resigned and volunteered for service in World War I. He was killed in 1917. Another son Cheviot Bell was appointed to the Legislative Council as a member of the suicide squad by the First National Government on 27 July 1950 to vote for the abolition of the council, so served to 31 December 1950.

His niece and nephew, by his brother Alfred, Brenda and Frank Bell, became notable radio pioneers.

Political career

His political career began with being elected Mayor of Wellington in 1891, 1892 and 1896. He was narrowly defeated by William McLean in an by-election by 3388 votes to 3245. He finally entered Parliament in the , serving for one term.

In 1912, the Reform Party came to power, and on 10 July 1912 Bell was appointed to the Legislative Council. He became Minister of Internal Affairs (1912–1915), and Minister of Immigration (1912–1920). He was Attorney-General (1918–1926). He was the first Commissioner of State Forests, and from 1923 he would also serve as the Minister of External Affairs.

He represented New Zealand at the League of Nations in 1922. He would also attend the allied conferences at Genoa and the Hague.

Having been appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George on 3 June 1915, Bell was promoted to Knight Grand Cross of the same order in the 1923 New Year Honours. He was appointed to the Privy Council on 1 February 1926.

Prime minister

thumb|Portrait of Bell, wearing his insignia of knighthood, 1935

On returning to New Zealand, Bell became acting prime minister while William Massey was in London. Massey's health began to fail, and Bell took over most of his roles. He officially became prime minister on 14 May 1925 after Massey's death on 10 May. He served as prime minister for the next 16 days. Bell declined the party's offer to become prime minister and was replaced by Gordon Coates.

After giving up his portfolios in 1926, he returned to the League of Nations with Coates.

In 1935, he was awarded the King George V Silver Jubilee Medal.

Death and legacy

Bell's wife, Caroline (born 1853), died in Wellington on 8 September 1935. Bell died in Wellington on 13 March 1936.

Bell Road in Wellington is named after him.

Notes

References

  • Biography of his father, Sir Francis Dillon Bell

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