Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/348

 322 ADELAIDE AND VICINITY Professor E. C. Stirling many remains of the huge marsupial, Diprotodon australis : and, amongst others, were those of a wingless bird as large as the moa of New Zealand, which has been made known under the name of Genyornis netvtoni. It is not within the scope of this notice to give full details of Dr. Stirling's accomplishments in science, but the distinction of C.M.G. which the Queen conferred on him in 1893, and his election to the Royal Society, were indications that his work was highly meritorious. Only once has Dr. Stirling entered politics, and that was in i88.|, when he was elected at the top of the poll for North Adelaide, his colleague being the late Mr. G. C. Hawker. Whilst in the Legislature he took a keen interest in the question of Woman's Suffrage, and was the first to propose and carry, though without an absolute majority, a measure for the admission of women to the franchise. Being defeated at the next election, in 1887, he has not since sought to enter the political arena. His brother, the Hon. J. L. Stirling, is a conspicuous member of the Legislative Council. It is by the work of such men that South Australia makes herself known among the highest and most cultured men of the age. In its particular and select sphere this is as indispen.sable as a reputation for advanced political economy. Dr. Stirling's name will be handed down to subsequent generations as a leading scientist, a successful teacher, and a worthy citizen. Hon. J. H. Howe, M.L.C. IN the county town of Forfar, Scotland, the Hon. J. H. Howe was born in 1839, and at the age of 16 he .sailed for South Australia. On his arrival he joined the Mounted Police Force. For some time he remained in this capacity, gaining a great knowledge of the interior, which has stood him in good stead in his political life, more particularly in his administration of the Crown Lands Department. He afterwards started business at Gawler ; and it was in that town he first entered into municipal life, being chosen by the people of that municipality to serve them as councillor. He next engaged in grazing and agricultural pursuits. In 1881 he was returned to the House of Assembly for the Stanley District. From 1884 to 1896 he represented the District of Gladstone, the change being due to an alteration in the Electoral Act. At the general elections of 1896 Mr. Howe lost his seat. In 1897, he was elected a member of the Legislative Council for the Northern District. I'"or his knowledge of land legislation and administrative ability. Sir John Downer twice apportioned him the portfolio of Commissioner of Crown Lands. He was also Commissioner of Public Works in the Cockburn Government ; and in July, 1890, was made "Honorable" for life. Mr. Howe is associated with many mining, commercial, and pastoral pursuits in various parts of the Province. He was one of the delegates of the Province at the Adelaide, Sydney, and Melbourne Federal Conventions, and to the discussions on the Commonwealth Bill he brought a full and ready mind. Mr. Howe has ever been a true friend to the deserving poor ; and his proposal to give the Federal Parliament power to legislate for " invalid and old-age pensions " was carried by an overwhelming majority before the work of the Convention terminated.