Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/334

 ;o8 ADELAIDE AND VICINITY Hon. Sir John Colton, K.C.M.G. IT is fitting Royalty should acknowledge in a distinctive manner the useful work done bv colonial public men in their |)ublic cause. Official decorations have from time to time been conferred on prominent Australian politicians, in recognition of services rendered in the moulding of Greater Ikitain ; and of SoiMh Australians thus distinguished none has been more deserving of the recognition than Sir John Colton, This political veteran was born in Devonshire in 1823, and came to Adelaide with his father in 1839. He followed various commercial pursuits until he reached the age of 19 years, when he established a small business which has now grown into the well-known firm of Colton and Co., wholesale harness and hardware merchants. The expan- sion of the business kept pace with the growth of the Province, and reached such substantial proportions that a few years ago it was floated into a limited company. Sir John was actively identified with his business until 1883, when he retired after a commercial life of great industry. Political and municipal duties also claimed his attention. He was chosen Alderman of the City of Adelaide in 1859, and in 1862 was returned at the head of the poll to the House of Assembly for the district of Noarlunga, a constituency which he represented throughout the whole of his active political career. Into the question of social politics, Sir John, with an ardent desire for progressive legislation, entered with keen enthusiasm. His attitude in the House always commanded respect, and his speeches were listened to with close attention. It was a matter of little surprise in political circles when he was asked to take the Commissionership of Public Works in the Strangways Ministry in 1868. He held this portfolio for two years, during which time his official duties were discharged with shrewd administrative ability. One of the measures introduced by the Strangways Ministry was that of a uniform land tax of a halfpenny per acre, and Sir John loyally adhered to Hammer C^ Co., Photo