Harold Arthur Russell

Harold Arthur Russell (29 January 1871 – 14 July 1938) was a New Zealand farmer, sportsman, and politician.

Early life

Russell was born at Flaxmere homestead in 1871. He was the eldest son of Sir William Russell. Flaxmere homestead was his father's estate north-west of Hastings. He was educated at Heretaunga School ,

Professional career He operated the Russell family farm, at Sherenden (near Hastings), and also managed the Flaxmere Stud Farm in Hawke's Bay. An active horseman, he was the captain of the Hawke's Bay polo team leading them to win the Savile Cup (the premier polo trophy in New Zealand) in 1907, 1909, 1910, 1911, and 1912.

He was a member of the New Zealand Legislative Council from 22 June 1934 to 14 July 1938, when he died. He was appointed by the United/Reform Coalition Government.

Family and death In 1897, Russell married Eva Nelson, the daughter of Hawke's Bay industrialist William Nelson. Little Flaxmere is located in Twyford.

His wife died in 1935. On 14 July 1938, he died at his residence, Little Flaxmere, after a short illness, and was survived by five children.

In 1964, much of the land originally owned by his father was amalgamated into Hastings City Council. The council used the land for a residential subdivision and called the suburb Flaxmere.