Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/370

 344 ADELAIDE AND VICINITY Hon. S. Tomkinson which threatened to seriously deplete South Australia of her population in 1851-2, Mr. Tomkinson, accompanied by Messrs. Dutton and Neville Bagot, rode overland to Victoria and inspected the goldfields of Ballarat, Bendigo, Maryborough, and Mount Alexander in turn. Returning to Adelaide. Mr. Tomkinson found the various banking institutions in the city in a highly critical state. The Governor, Sir Henry Young, had been prevailed upon to introduce what was known as the Bullion Act in the emergency of the run which had taken place on the bank.s, and which departing colonists to Victoria had caused. This measure was passed in one day ; and by its provisions Victorian gold was made a legal tender at the rate of £t, iis. an ounce. Mr. Tomkinson op])osed the Bullion Bill on the ground that it was contrary to the currency laws of the British Empire and repugnant to Imperial legislation. It was in this critical time for the Province that Mr. Tomkinson's strong individuality was conspicuously manifested ; and although he was unsuccessful in his endeavors, he held unswervingly to his o]Mnions. Relinquishing his management of the Bank of Australasia in 1879, Mr. Tomkinson entered politics in 1881 as a member for Gumeracha in the Assembly. In 1885 he decided to stand for the Upper House, and was returned as a representative for the Southern District, which he served for ten years. In May, 1897, he was elected a member for the Central District in the Legislative Council. Mr. Tomkinson was created a J. P. in 1858, and was Chairman of the Adelaide Licensing Bench. He was also long identified with the municipal growth of Adelaide as an Alderman of the city ; holding that position for 12 yeans, he infused an amount of dignity into the deliberative functions of the civic body that should distinguish every person who holds the suffrage of the ratepayers of an important city. He was one of the founders of the South Australian Gas Company, and Silt for 20 years on the directorial Board of that corporation. Por many years he was deputy-chairman of the well-known Burra Burra Mine. He was the oldest member of the Church of E!ngland .Synod, to which he was appointed by the late Bishop Short. His long and active life came to an end in August, 1899. It is somewhat difficult to estimate the worth to the community of such a man as Mr. Tomkinson. He never sought for office under any Government, contenting himself with being independent of all parties. His powerful will bowed only to the dictates of his principles, and refused to give way to the cries of those peoj)le whom he thought were going too fast. He was therefore by no means a faddist in politics so far as giving any support to what he would call "experimental legislation." There is no doubt that he sometimes acted as a strong influence in helping to keep in hand the restive elements of a virile democracy, which, while attractive might lead to di.saster. So .solid were Mr. Tomkin.son's opinions that he was never afraid to stand alone in the arena. A firm resolve, a conscientious opinion, and an earnest desire to help, are qualities eminently to be admired.