 Neild had received a private education and was first employed at Montefiore , Joseph & Co . , an importing firm . In 1865 he set up as a commission agent , becoming an insurance agent by 1870 and later managing several companies . He was elected to Woollahra Municipal Council in 1876 and in 1882 unsuccessfully stood for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly seat of Paddington . He was successful at his second attempt in 1885 , when he was elected as a supporter of Henry Parkes ; remaining on Woollahra Council , he served as mayor from 1888 to 1889 , leaving the council in 1890 . 
