Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/367

Dr. A. Campbell ADELAIDE AND VICINITY 341 himself in the cause of education, and for a lont^ while held a seat on the old Board of Education. Uuder the Act of 1875 he became a member of the Education Council, and for some time acted as chairman. Dr. Campbell earnestly believed, with the Latinist of old, that " the welfare of the people is the first great law," and in the matter of the public health he labored long and zealously. As a member of the Central Hoard of II(!alth he did valuable work, and also on the University Council. Dr. Campbell entered Parliament in 1878, when he was returned to the Legislative Council, retaining his seat there for 20 years — up to the day of his demise. Erom first to last he thoroughly discharged his duties, chamjiioning every good cause with an enthusiasm, straightforwardness, and trustworthiness which won him an honored name. He proved himself learned in constitutional matters, and scarcely any man had more influence on the passing of the laws of the last 20 years than Dr. Campbell ; this, too, in face of the fact that he never held office in any Government, save for a few days as a member of the Cockburn Administration without office. The deceased doctor was an ardent Eederalist, and a prominent supporter of South Australian industries. Dr. Campbell served on a large number of Royal Commissions and Select Committees. The crowning work of his political life was his strong advocacy of the Public Health Bill, and this he regarded as one of the most important measures that has ever come before Parliament. He was in politics a freetrader, a Liberal, and a Democrat, and admirably fulfilled his political pledges. But it is in the work of philanthropy that Dr. Campbell's name will ever be kindly — ay, fondly — associated. But two days before he died he put the coping-stone to a noble object by opening the Convalescent Home for Children at Mount Lofty. There was something dramatically pathetic in this incident, for no .sooner had he returned home from the opening ceremony than he was seized with the illness which so speedily proved fatal. It is consoling to know he was spared to see one more good object of his initiation satisfactorily accomplished. Dr. Campbell was one of the original tour who founded the Children's Hospital ; and the great success of that institution has been mainly due to his indefatigable exertion on its behalf. The " yllan Campbell " Building is an extensive addition to a really noble pile of buildings, which was solely due to the doctor's initiative. The Bacteriological Institute, also founded by him in connection with this hospital, has proved itself of much benefit and value in the treatment of diphtheria and kindred ailments. Dr. Campbell was President of the Homestead League, and also exerted his influence in the House in support of the Working Men's Block Movement. He originated the charitable organisation known as the District Trained Nursing Society, whose object is to render a.sslstance to the sick poor In their respective homes. Other offices which he held were in connection with the St. John Ambulance Society ; the Sunday-school Union, of which for three years he was President ; the Caledonian Society, of which he was twice Chief; and the South Australian Literary Societies' Union, of which he was a Past-president ; and for a time triistee of the Savings Bank ; a member of, and one time chairman of, the Board of Governors of the Public Library, Art Gallery, and Museum.