(1823–89).

Merchant and philanthropist.

George Gould was born at Hambleden, Bucks., England, the son of Joseph Gould, who was lock keeper of Hambleden Lock on the Thames. He entered the employment of the Great Western Railway Co. and advanced himself rapidly. He married Hannah Lewis in April 1850, and arrived in Canterbury in the same year.

He opened a general store a few months later and made rapid progress. Soon a noted merchant in Christchurch, he expanded his business as agent for runholders, a shipper of wool, and a financier. He farmed, bred prize stock, and was partner in the great wheat-growing station of Springfield. His benefactions were notable, particularly to the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association (of which he was five times president), and to the museum. He was a member of the first Christchurch Municipal Council and of the Board of Education. He died at Hambleden, Christchurch, on 28 March 1889, aged 65.

by George Ranald Macdonald, Retired Farmer, Kaiapoi R.D.

• Life of Sir Julius von Haast, von Haast, H. F. (1947)
• Press (Christchurch), 29 Mar 1889 (Obit).