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  upon leaving the railway department he took an active share in the public concerns of the town of Wallaroo, in which he lived. From 1879 to 1881 he served as a councillor, and thenceforward was thrice chosen mayor. His civic duties were performed with characteristic energy and success, and at the same time he held the positions of Commissioner of the Yorkers Peninsula Local Road Board, the Licensing Bench, and the School Board of Advice. He was one of the foremost promoters of the Wallaroo Rifle Company, and for years was a representative on the Council of the R.V.F., of which in 1885 he was elected Vice-President. He paid great attention to drill, and was an expert marksman. At the general election in 1884 he was an unsuccessful candidate for the representation of the newly-divided district of Wallaroo, but a year later was elected. Upon his entering the House Mr. Bews created a highly favorable inpression [sic] by his speech in moving the "Address in Reply." He has since intelligently debated important subjects, especially directing his attention to public works. In fact, he is looked upon in the smoking-room (which he enlivens by many racy yarns—for he is a humorist with a wonderful memory) as a coming Commissioner of Public Works.

John Dickins, HO was a shipowner and merchant in Plymouth arrived in South Australia by the "Pestonjee Bomangee" in 1836. He held a prominent position in connection with the South Australian Company for many years, when, having relinquished this office, he turned to literary pursuits, and from 1843 almost to the time of his death (which took place on March 4, 1871, in his 79th year), was engaged on the staff of the S. A. Register. He was a quiet, unobtrusive, plodding man, possessing many estimable qualities, which made him a general favorite.