Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/599

 Mr. N.w. Trudgen ADELAIDE AND VICINITY 573 buildings in Adelaide, and a large number of the ornate residences which adorn the suburbs, were erected by him. He was president of the Huilders and Contractors' Association from the time of Mr. William Hundey's death up till 1891. In presiding over the deliberations of that organisation, Mr. Trudgen's actions were marked by sincerity, courteous firmness, and an evident desire to cultivate a conciliatory rather than an antagonistic tone when debatable matters cropped up. Eor many years Mr. Trudgen was a resident of College Town, and was largely identified with the civic affairs of that place and its parent municipality — St. Peters. In 1886 he was requisitioned to stand for Hackney Ward, and, acceding, was unanimously elected. His tenure of office as Councillor was a very successful one, and, when he had completed his term, he was chosen Mayor. In that capacity he became noted for his hospitality and unvarying urbanity, and the duties devolving on him were discharged with much good taste. On vacating the mayoralty he was again elected to the Council — this time for East Adelaide Ward. Soon afterwards he practically retired from municipal matters, as the exigencies of a growing and flourishing business demanded all his time. He was frequently asked to stand for Parliament, but as often declined for the same reason. In civic deliberations he was a man of outspoken opinion and good debating power, and regrets were expressed when he retired. In the Methodist Church Mr. Trudgen was an earnest worker. He was well known in the pulpit in the Kent Town Circuit, and few of those who heard him will forget the convincing earnestness which he at all times showed in expounding Holy WVit. He was a superintendent of the Sunday-school attached to the Kent Town Church. Taking a great interest in the spiritual welfare of the young, his kindly actions and words made him greatly beloved by the scholars and congregation. When Mr. Trudgen died, the people of St. Peters and many personal friends felt that they had lost a worthy man, and they desired to place on record in lasting form their appreciation of his good work. Accordingly, a committee was formed, subscriptions came in freelv, and a fine irranite and marble drinking fountain was erected to his memory in close proximity to the Council Chamber of the St. Peters Corporation. His employes also erected to his memory a handsome tablet in Kent Town Church. The funeral of the late Mr. Trudgen was very large, and as a mark of respect to the deceased gentleman, 150 of his employes headed the mournful cortege. By his death South Australia lost a good colonist and an earnest Christian worker. He was a Justice of the Peace. Rev. Silas Mead, M.A, LL.B. HAVING taken the M.A. and LL.B. degrees at the London University, the Rev. S. Mead came to Adelaide, and commenced services in the Baptist cause on July 13, 1 86 1, in White's Rooms, King William Street, with a Church membership of 25. Two years later the spacious edifice in Flinders Street was built. Shortly afterwards the adjoining Manse was added, and the Church greatly prospered under Mr. Mead's pastorate. Resigning in 1897, he undertook educational work in F^ngland. He was first President of the South Australian Society of Christian Endeavor, and a President of the Adelaide Y.M.C.A.