nationalism of the Afrikaner Bond. His South African Party was, in effect, practically defined by its opposition to imperialism and its support for the multi-racial franchise. Merriman's inclusive and open attitude to race relations did not, initially, extend to gender. In July 1907, some of his closest allies Antonie Viljoen, JW Sauer and James Molteno were supporting an extension of the right to vote to women, however Merriman vigorously (and successfully) opposed them in a long, and very bitter, debate. Nonetheless, by the time of the Union of South Africa he was widely considered to be the most prominent and influential liberal in South Africa, though he was criticised by allies and friends, such as Olive Schreiner, for not abiding by the principles of the Cape Liberal Tradition with consistency. Personal life In person, Merriman was a distinctive and very memorable character. Strikingly tall and thin, with a dramatic and quickfire manner of speaking, he made a strong impression on those who met him. In 1874 he married Agnes Vintcent daughter of Mr. Joseph Vintcent, a member of the Cape Legislative Council. Though they had no children, the marriage was exceptionally happy. In 1892 he purchased a farm in Stellenbosch which later became Rustenberg Wines. The company has honoured him by naming its flagship red bordeaux blend after him. He died, aged 85, in Stellenbosch, South Africa, in 1926. A prominent street in the town is called Merriman Avenue and a railway siding near Victoria West is named Merriman. Notes and references External links |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- Prime Ministers of the Cape Colony Cape Colony politicians 1841 births 1926 deaths Alumni of Diocesan College, Cape Town People educated at Radley College People from Street, Somerset Members of the House of Assembly of the Cape Colony Members of the House of Assembly (South Africa) South African Party (Cape Colony) politicians English emigrants to South Africa 19th-century South African people South African members of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom