Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/383

 ^'^•J"^s"^ ADELAIDE AND VICINITY 357 It was in 1890 that, upon the retirement of Mr. Basedow, and in response to an influential requisition, he was nominated to a seat in the Assembly for the Barossa constituency, and was duly elected. Such was the esteem in which his services were held, that at the general election in 1893, he was again elected; while in 1896 and 1899 he was returned at the head of the poll. Sir John Downer being his colleague. Mr. Hague has been fairly active in debate, and as he is essentially a common-sense and earnest man, his addresses are always received with respect. To him parliamentary work is a serious duty, and he shows that he considers his position in the Legislature demands an honest pursuance of the country's interests, independent of personal ambition. He has made abundand}- clear that he is in conduct and character a man to be trusted and relied upon ; while as a speaker he is pronounced by capable critics " clear, concise, thoughtful, and fair." In manner, Mr. Hague is unassu:'ning and kindly, and his popularity is not confined to his own district. Indeed, since his entry into Parliament he has won admirers throughout the Province, many of whose names, probably, he has never heard. Major John William Castine, M.P. THE name of Major John William Castine has attained prominence in the Province in connection with its militia, and to his enthusiasm the present Defence Eorce is largely indebted for many of the advantages it posses.ses. But Mr. Castine has won laurels also in the political arena. He was born in Plymouth, Devonshire, on May 26, 1846, and at the age of 16 left England for South Australia. He arrived in the Province in September, 1862 ; and for a long time after his arrival he engaged in commercial pursuits in country parts as a storekeeper. As a stock-valuer also his reputation for efficiency was widely recognised. P>om the first he took an eager and active part in the volunteer movement, and was twice elected President of the old National Rifle Volunteer Council, then representative of 1,652 men, exclusive of officers. His enthusiasm in this position went far to establish the militia corps on a new and sound basis. He devoted unfailing attention to his duties as an officer, and received promotion for his services. The demands of political life were destined, however, to occupy the largest share of his energies and devotion. In 1884 he entered the House of Assemblv as representative of the Wooroora electorate, and he has retained that seat in the House ever since. Mr. Castine belongs to the Independent Party in Parliament, and for several years he held the honorable position of secretary of that party. In the House Mr. Castine is a constant debater and fluent reasoner. He has served on several Royal Commissions and Parliamentary Select Committees. He is one of the trustees of the Savings Bank, and a member of the Board of Governors of the Botanic Gardens. Mr. Castine is widely popular in the Province, and his long public services have often been highly praised by those who can place a proper valuation on unselfish conduct and labor. He has played no unimportant part in the framing of South Australian legislation since his entry into Parliament, his sober reasoning and moderate counsel having often had a salutary effect on the extremists on both sides of the popular Chamber of South Australia.