Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/583

 ADELAIDE AND VICINITY 557 Mr. Henry Thomas IT is gratifying to find, in the history of so young a Province as South Australia, the sound old British traits appearing in Southern seas. Important though pioneer work may be, it is productive of little unless it is maintained and extended in subsequent effort by the young native-born population. To the credit of the latter, it has to be said that they have not fallen short of the example and traditions of their fathers ; and the rapidity with which they have assumed the lead in politics and commerce is decidedly satisfactory. An example of the successful young Australian is furnished in the i)erson of Mr. Henry Thomas, who has for some years been at the head of the large milling busi- ness established by his father, the late Mr. William Thomas (whose deeds are also recorded in these pages), and Mr. Thomas Grose. Mr. Henry Thomas was born at Port Adelaide on July 12, 1866, a )'ear after the arrival of his parents in this Province, and almost the whole of his career has been identified with that district. Mr. Thomas accompanied his father on a trip to England in 1878, and, on his return to Adelaide, com- pleted his education at Prince Alfred College. A commercial Hammer & Co., Photo i r i • i i career was chosen for him, and he entered the Commercial Bank of South Australia in 1882. The young bank clerk showed aptitude for the work, and rose step by step until he attained the position of accountant at Port Adelaide when he had been about four years in the institution, having previously been manager of less important branches. About this time the Commercial Bank of South Australia failed, and the services of Mr. Thomas were sought by the Commercial Bank of Australia. In this institution he remained for several vears, winning the commendation of his superior officers. In 1891 the failing health of his father demanded the presence of the son in the milling business at Port Adelaide, which Mr. Thomas, sen., had established and carried on in partnership with Mr. Thomas Grose. Mr. Henry Thomas