Notable South Australians/Hon. Jno. Dunn, M.L.C.
Hon. Jno. Dunn, M.L.C.,
WAS a lad of ten summers when he arrived in Adelaide, in 1840, with his father, who then had to avail himself of his aid in building the first windmill. In 1843 a second mill was built and started, and as Mr. Dunn appeared to possess much of his parent's genius for designing, plans for future mills were entrusted to him. He was admitted a partner in the business in 1852, and in ten years acquired a competency, which enabled him to carry out a long-cherished desire, viz., to devote his life and energies to Christian missions. Accompanied by his noble young wife, he embarked for the South Sea Islands, under the auspices of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, but after a year's trial he was compelled to abandon his enterprise on account of ill-health, and return to Adelaide. Being too energetic to remain idle, Mr. Dunn erected the well-known large and powerful mill at Port Adelaide, and on its completion arrangements were made for a re-union in business between father and son. Since then the sphere of operations has widened considerably and to-day the subject of this sketch is a partner of the largest milling firm in the Australias. Mr. Dunn first entered Parliament in 1875, when he contested a seat with Dr. Hübbe for the Assembly. He was returned at the head of the poll in 1880 for the Upper House, with more votes (6,375) than any member sent to the Council prior to this election. A leader in one of the dailies had the following remarks: —"Mr. Dunn is a practical gentleman, and a good man of business; a man of plain common sense, without any crotchets, and he may be expected to vote right as a rule," &c. Mr. Dunn's extensive business engagements prevent him from taking any prominent part in Parliament. A parliamentary critic, in commenting on the individual members of the House, says:—"The Hon. J. Dunn is a capital story-teller. You would hardly think it to look at him, but he has a keen appreciation of humour. He speaks so quietly and so quaintly that you do not expect jokes from him till you know his style. You would as soon expect a facetious remark from the statue of Carlyle; but with those who are familiar with Mr. Dunn there are current traditions of many a jolly trip with the unassuming Miller Prince." Though his time is devoted to business, he also renders good service to the public interests in many ways, and with hand and purse is ever ready to give assistance when and where it is really needed.