Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/386

 ;6o ADELAIDE AND VICINITY Mr. Johann Theodor Scherk, M.P. A PROMINENT feature in the composition of the population of South Australia is the prevalence of the German element ; and the energy that has been displayed by German settlers in developing the resources of the Province is apparent in many directions. Their thrift and plodding perseverance have been instrumental in earning for these immigrants from the Father- land the desirable title of " model settlers." It has often been said, and the truth of the general state- ment is unquestionable, that under British rule Germans are among the best colonists in the world. While some in South Australia have spent their life-long days in extending and improving their selected areas under tillage and pasturage, there are not a few who have risen to greater prominence by their public activity and zeal, and by the sincerity with which they have associated themselves with the political and legislative affairs of the Province. No better example of this class can be cited than that supplied by Mr. Scherk, one of the most respected citizens and politicians in South Australia. With a knowledge that is widely recognised, and a popularity ex- tending in all directions, Mr. Scherk has acquitted himself with credit during his long and useful ztegter, ftioto pubHc Career. In the city of Kiel, in Holstein, Germany, Johann Theodor Scherk was born on July 8, 1836. His father was a doctor in that town, and a man of scholastic attainments, who was for many years Chancellor of the Kiel University and Professor of Astronomy and Mathematics. From surroundings so learned the son imbibed principles of knowledge. From a father so doctrinally distinguished he inherited many talents. His education was well cared for, and when he left Kiel for .South Australia he was well equipped with the usual complement of educational training. An attraction for distant lands pervaded his youthful ambitions and fostered a disinclination for mere book-work. He had heard of