Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/564

 538 ADELAIDE AND VICINITY Mr. R, Barr SmUh into the bowels of the earth, operations got into full working order, a thousand men were employed on the mines, and the claims became precious possessions, jielding substantial dividends for the shareholders. The original lease of the Moonta Mines from the Government was for 14 years, and on the expiry of that period, a jiayment of ^10,320 was required by the Government for a further 99 years' lease. In the year following the discovery of the Wallaroo Mines, the firm made advances for the development of the Moonta Mine, which ultimately became one of the richest copper centres in the world. As in the former case, the lease expired at the end of 14 years, and ^18,000 was paid to the Government for a 99 years' lease of the mine. Extensive smelting works were erected at Wallaroo Bay. The firm performed a good service for the whole Province in financing the development of these metallic resources. Mr. R. Barr Smith did not confine himself to mercantile operations, but entered into pastoral pursuits in South Australia, and became also largely interested in pastoral properties in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. His homes are Torrens Park, near Mitcham, and Auchendarroch, Mount Barker. As a commercial man, his judgment is sound, and his word always to be relied upon. As a citizen, he has identified himself with many public movements, and his gifts to educational, patriotic, and philanthropic objects, have been large. For his many services towards his adopted country and her institutions, and for the hearty interest he has constantly evinced on behalf of local welfare, Mr. R. Barr Smith has won affectionate esteem. Professor Robert Langton Douglas, M.A. THOUGH born in an I^nglish Midland county, Cheshire, Professor Robert Langton Douglas is of Scotch blood. Whilst still a boy, when residing with his parents in South Yorkshire, he came under the influence of Mr. Ruskin, who had then recendy established his museum at Walkley, near Sheffield. A year or two later he met Mr. C. H. Firth, of Balliol College, Oxford, the distinguished historical specialist, who gave Professor Douglas invaluable help in his historical studies in the two years preceding his matriculation at Oxford. It was these two influences — the influence of Mr. Ruskin, and the influence of Mr. C. H. F"irth — that helped to determine the direction of Professor Douglas's intellectual activities. He graduated at New College, Oxford, in 1886, obtaining good