Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/262

 2:.6 ADELAIDE AND VICINITY Hon. F. W. Holder ■o Active as he has always been in the local jiolitical arena, during the past four years his reputation has attained intercolonial importance. Early in 1897 he was elected second on the poll as a delegate for South Australia to the Federal Convention ; and at the three sessions of that gathering of great Australians, he distinguished himself by earnestness and intelligence in debate, while his speeches on financial issues were weighty and keen. In this latter respect he was one of the most capable members of the Convention. His views were comprehensive, and showed so much depth, that they were listened to with general respect. His judgment, knowledge, and clearness of vision will certainly be exceedingly useful in the high position in the Commonwealth to which he is bound to attain. When the Commonwealth Bill went before the electors of South Australia for their vote, he was indefatigable in securing its acceptance. He was invited to visit almost every part of the Province to explain its provisions, and was in the habit of delivering .seven and eight addres.ses a week in different districts. It is due to him, therefore, to record that he was largely responsible for the preponderating vote in South Australia in favor of the Bill. Returning to his record in the politics of the Province of which he is so distinguished a native, it remains to be said that after the short-lived Solomon Ministry, which held office from December i to 7, 1899, had been defeated, Mr. Holder succeeded to the Premiership. And this position he still holds at the time of writing (September, 1900), apparently all the more securely for several futile attacks made upon his policy by the Opposition on motions of censure. The current session has not been characterised by sensational legislation ; but the maintenance of even and steady administration in the executive branch of government, is no mean achievement for the Premier of an important Province. Perhaps there is no busier man in Adelaide than Mr. Holder. When not officially engaged, he is working for his Church or studying in his library. Although a modest man, he is certainly entitled to be reckoned among the most distinguished of Australian Statesmen. The late Sir John Morphett, Knt THE late Sir John Morphett was born in London on May 4, 1809. He was the son of Nathanael Morphett, solicitor. He arrived in South Australia in September, 1836, and was present at the proclamation ceremony on December 28 of the same year. On March 6, 1838, Sir John was appointed a member of the Aborigines' Protection Board, and he served on this for many years. In December, 1840, he was appointed Treasurer of the City Corporation. The birth of the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural .Society may be indirectly traced to a meeting over which Sir John Morphett presided on April 27, 1844. .Sir John Morphett was one of the four non-official members of the Legislative Council from 1843 to 1851 ; a nominated non-official member and Speaker till 1854; elected under the new Constitution Act in 1857, and retained his .seat till 1873, having been President from 1865. He was Chief Secretary in the Reynolds Ministries in 1861. He was knighted in 1870. On his retirement from politics Sir John led a life of comparative quiet, and died in November, 1892.