Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/349

 ADELAIDE AND VICINITY j-'o Hon. Thomas Playford, M.P. FOR number of terms of Ministerial responsibility held in South Australia, the Hon. Mr. Playford and Sir Henry Ayers probably hold the record. Each has very substantially impressed his judgment and vigor on the pages of local history, and each has been an enthusiastic friend of the Province. Mr. Playford has held office in seven Administrations, in two of which he was Premier, and, reckon ing re-constructed Ministries, has been a member of ten. So ex- cellent and straightforward has been his conduct that he has earned the popular sobriquet of " Honest Tom " — a name that has clung to him for many years. Thomas Playford was born in London in 1837, and is the eldest son of the late Rev. Thomas Playford, for many years pastor of the Bentham Street Chapel, Adelaide. The latter was one of our earliest colonial ministers, and, when quite young, entered the army and served in the Life (juards under Wellington at Waterloo. "This gentleman," says a biographer, "was highly esteemed for his many excellent (jualities and unassuming de- meanor. ' The family came to South Australia in 1843, and here the subject of this memoir received his education. But though not privileged to enjoy a lengthy career at school, he was a very ready pupil when he entered into manhood ; and all South Australians respect the solid information which he is possessed of. For many years he was engaged in farming at Mitcham, whereupon he proceeded to Norton's Summit and cultivated one of the finest fruit gardens in Australia. This has been the occupation of Mr. Playford's life, and he is never happier than when, escaping from his political duties, he is able to quietly tend his orchard and his vegetables. As a youth, Mr. Playford was attracted to debating societies, and in such a useful training ground acquired his undoubted power in debate. Upon taking up his residence Hammer C^ Co., Photo