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NOTABLE SOUTH AUSTRALIANS;

till, in 1881, on returning from a visit to Europe, he founded the firm of George Wills & Co., of London, Adelaide, and Port Adelaide, of which he became and is still the managing partner in South Australia.


Harry Dickson Gell, J.P.,

BORN in England in 1845, and arrived with his parents in this colony in September 1849. His father was for some time connected with the celebrated iron firm of Morewood & Rogers, and after establishing the business in Leigh and Hindley-streets, attracted by the gold-fields of Victoria, he left for the sister colony. Not being favored by fortune, the subject of this notice had early to fight the battle of life. A considerable portion of his time was spent in the Wallaroo district, before and after the discovery of the Moonta Mines. After filling several engagements he came to Adelaide, and in 1874 took the position he now occupies as Secretary to the City Permanent Building and Investment Society. He was elected to the Town Council of Glenelg in 1881, and returned as Mayor for that municipality in December 1884. He is a warm supporter and advocate of Improvement and Literary Societies, and takes a lively interest in their establishment in various districts. He has also been an active worker for, and supporter of country and suburban institutes, and is greatly interested in the early closing movement. Twenty-five years ago the period of labor was excessive; averaging fourteen hours per diem. Finding it impossible to obtain an earlier time for closing, Mr. Grell with others agitated until the boon of a Wednesday half-holiday was conceded. This useful relaxation from labour has been applied with marked success to many of our country towns and places of business in the city.