Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/351

 Hon. T. piayford ADELAIDE AND VICINITY 325 as they have been oenerall)- useful and important, and they have won for him a name unsurpassed in the Province. In the Parliament of 18S7 he was appointed U-ader of the Protectionist side of the House, against the Downer-Bray Government, and in this capacity successfully led the Opposition in defeating the Administration. As a consequence, he formed a Government, whose two years' term of office was e.xceedingly active. During that period he piloted a Protective Tariff Bill through the House. Upon the occasion of the H<jn. Dr. Cockburn carrying a motion of want of confidence against him, in June, 1889, Mr. Playford's reply was declared to be one of the most masterly ever heard within the walls of the Chamber. In his second Administration, having taken the Lands portfolio, he, in January, 1892, visited India, with the view of discovering the coolie labor that was most adapted to the circumstances of the Northern Territory. .Scon after his return, his Ministry was defeated by Mr. Holder. As Treasurer, Mr. Piayford was responsible for five Budgets, and it is certain that no more successful financier ever had charge of the department in South Australia. He managed to obtain a surplus on each occasion, and, in addition, wiped off the old deficit to the extent of ^300,000. While Commissioner of Public Works, he introduced to Parliament the Bill providing for the construction of the railway from Petersburg to Cockburn, which has been the best-paying line laid down in South Australia. In historical intercolonial gatherings the Hon. Mr. Playford's intelligence is well known. He was one of the first two South Australian delegates to the Federal Council of Australasia, and presided over the third session held in Hobart, Tasmania, in January and Eebruary, 1889. With Dr. Cockburn he represented this Proxince at the Federal Conference held in Melbourne in February, 1889, and his speeches t)n that occasion attracted considerable attention for their common-sense and vigor. He was also selected as a delegate to the historical Sydney Convention of 1891, and rendered material service to the cause of F"ederation. He was practically the instigator of the memorable Chinese Conference in Sydney in 1888. On all these occasions his striking personality and common- sense carried considerable weight. As an administrator, Mr. Piayford is businesslike and thorough. His knowledge of the land laws of the Province is beyond cavil, and he is recognised as a leading authority on all questions relating thereto or to water conservation. During his term of office as Agent-General in London — from April, 189/], to June, 1898 — he proved himself one of the most capable and sensible that had ever repre.senled South Australia. Very substantial improvements and innovations were made in the system, and the service got to be of vital value to the Province. De.spite the request of the Government that he would remain longer in the old country, his health caused him to relinquish the duties- -a stej) that was viewed by the colonists with regret. (3n his return he again sought parliamentary honors, and was returned on April 29, 1899, to represent the District of Ckimeracha in the House of Assembly. It is well known that during the jubilee year (1897) the .Secretary of .State for the Colonies |)ressed Mr. Piayford to acce|)i a K.C.M.Ci.-ship, but (compatible with his rugged independence) he respectfully declinetl. Mr. Playford's firmness of character, strong individuality, and native ability have made him a prominent figure in Australian political life.