Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/581

 ADELAIDE AND VICINrFY D30 The late Mr. William Thomas IN the south-western corner of England, where the natural ruggedness of the surroundings is enhanced by the presence of the stormy Atlantic, has survived a branch of one of the world's oldest races, a people whose earlier history is enveloped in mystery and romance, and whose later feats, performed mostly upon the perilous seas, have enriched luiglish story and poem, and have largely contributed to the greatness of a maritime power, to which the recorded past fur- nishes no parallel. A mining industry, which has for a period of 2,000 years or more yielded wealth to the hand of man, has equipped the Cornishman with a knowledge and practical skill that makes him welcome in all new countries where mining operations are contemplated or are in pro- gress. Thus it is that a large Cornish element is found in the population of South Australia. It is worthy of note also that the energy and the ambition of Cornishmen have found for them prominence in colonial public affairs and commercial life. The late Mr. William Thomas, miller, of Port Adelaide, was a typical representative of this in- teresting race. He was born at St. Just, West Penzance, Corn- Stump &- Co.. Photo ^.^]]^ j,-, J 8^8; and his early years were spent m that famous and romantic portion of his native county. He was the only surviving child of Mr. William Thomas, of Trewellard, who sought fortune in the colonies in the days of the gold rush, and found it. His education was obtained at private schools; and at its completion he began the more serious lousiness of his life in the mines which flourish in the district. The late Mr. Thomas was possessed of talents and energy that at an early age brought him into prominence in the occupation to which he had set his hands. Thus, when quite a young man ( in his " twenties " ) he had mastered not only the practical skill necessary to mining pursuits, but also the technical knowledge, which qualified him for a post of command. The fame of the mining fields in Australia reached K K 2