Obituaries Australia

Obituary to-day records the death of Mr Joseph William Bell, father of Mr W. T. Bell, of the firm of Bell and Westbrook, of this town. By reference to files of the Cornwall Chronicle of 1838 and 1839; we find that Mr Joseph William Bell was then in business in Launceston as an auctioneer, and that Mr O. Eddie, Mr J. C. Underwood, Mr B. Francis, and Mr E. E. Boiger, were his contemporaries in that branch of business; a pretty clear proof that the general trade of Launceston must have been nearly as extensive 32 years ago as it is now. Subsequently Mr Bell proceeded to Port Phillip, and was one of the first auctioneers in Melbourne, and kept a very large furniture and general warehouse in Collins-street, within a few doors of Swanston-street. Mr J. W. Belt had retired from business for some years, and was residing at Floresville, New Town, near Hobart Town, where he died on 1st instant, at the ripe age of 78 years. The deceased gentleman was as straightforward, upright and honourable a man as his son, and higher praise than this we could scarcely give him.