The Argus/1903/Death of Mr. George Meares

DEATH OF MR. GEORGE MEARES.

The death of Mr. George Meares, C.M.G., which took place yesterday morning at his residence, "Grosvenor," Glenferrie-road, Malvern, will be learned with sincere regret by his many friends, by whom he was held in high esteem. Until about a fortnight ago he was in his usual health, but the extreme heat of the weather at that time brought about a sudden collapse, the immediate cause of his death being heart failure Mr Meares was born at Westmeath, Ireland in June, 1825, and arrived at Sydney in 1847. Coming to Melbourne in 1852, he began business as a draper in Collins street, a few doors eastward from "The Argus" office. Subsequently he moved to Bourke-street, where, in conjunction with his brother, the late Mr. R. S. Meares, he remained in business until 1878. He subsequently became identified with financial pursuits, and about 20 years ago acquired a pastoral property in New South Wales. He entered civic life as a representative of Latrobe Ward, to which he was elected on March 30, 1874, and from which he retired on November 1, 1837. He was mayor of the city for the terms 1879-1880, and 1880-1881, and during the latter term his hospitality was a household word on the occasion of the visit of the young princes. At the time of his death Mr. Meares held office on the directorate, of the Metropolitan Gas Company, and as a commissioner of Savings Banks. Mrs. Meares predeceased her husband in 1875, and there is a family of three daughters and three sons. One of the daughters is the wife of Mr Henry Andrews of Flinders-lane. The sons are Mr Robert Meares (Messrs. Russell and Meares solicitors). Mr. Richard Meares (a pastoralist in New South Wales) and Dr. Albert Meares, of Branxholme, whose wife is a daughter of Mr C. J. Ham, M.L.C. The funeral will take place this afternoon at the Melbourne Cemetery.