Charles Bellringer

Charles Emanuel Bellringer (1864–1944) was a Reform Party Member of Parliament, serving one three-year term. He unsuccessfully stood in general elections five times, the first three of those for the Liberal Party. He lived his whole life in New Plymouth and was involved with many organisations, most notably as chairman of the New Plymouth Harbour Board, as a prohibitionist, and one of the co-founders of the Methodist Church of New Zealand. He took over his father's company and was its executive director.

Early life Bellringer was born in New Plymouth in 1864. His father, James Bellringer, was mayor of New Plymouth from 1889 to 1893. Bellringer junior received his education at the local government school, followed by some private education. He commenced working for his father, painting and decorating houses. From 1897 to 1902, he was town clerk in New Plymouth. His father's death in December 1901

Private life Bellringer married Laura Ward (1865–1925) in 1887; they were to have six sons.

In 1935, he was awarded the King George V Silver Jubilee Medal. Bellringer died on 9 December 1944 at New Plymouth aged 80.