Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/409

Mr.G.F. Angas ADELAIDE AND VICINITY 383 he entered the first Parliament under the new Constitution, as a member of the Upper House, and was allowed to retain his seat on leave when, during the two following years, he was absent on a visit to Europe. He took an active part in the proceedings of the Council, where his speeches were marked by a plain, businesslike character, which, combined with clearness of statement, gave them considerable weight with his brother members. In the long and painful discussion connected with the administration of the Supreme Court, Mr. Angas was one of the small minority who took the unpopular side ; and his speeches in defence of Mr. Justice Boothby showed great tact as well as vigor. An instance of his shrewdness and foresight is afforded by his speeches on the original Bill for colonising the Northern Territory. He opposed the measure as being beyond the capacity of the colony at that time, and pointed out that selling the land without making any provision for the introduction of labor would not lead to the settlement of the country. He urged instead that large inducements should be offered to scjuatters to take up the land, and that a company should be encouraged to attempt the growth of tropical products. Mr. Angas retired by rotation in 1865, and was immediately re-elected; but in the following year ill-health compelled him to close his Parliamentary career of 15 years by resignation. A few days after his resignation was received, the Hon. J. Baker took an opportunity of referring to that and othtn- vacancies in the Council which had recently occurred. In the course ot his speech Mr. Bak(;r said :-—' Mr. Angas, in consequence of his early connection with the colony, his position in society, his e.xperience, his knowledge of mercantile affairs, and everything connected with colonisation, was eminently entitled to their gratitude, and he ought not to be allowed to retire into private life without some recognition of his services.'" Several members of the Council, including the late Hon. Sir Henry Ayers, Captain Bagot, Mr. Magarey, and others, also bore warm testimony to the valuable services Mr. Angas had rendered to the Province. Other rei'erences to his political efforts might be made, but it can be understood that Mr. Angas did not give even halt of his time to these matters. He was essentially a philanthropic man, and as his land investments under good management proved remunerative, he constantly added to the debts ot gratitude which the Province already owed him. A portion of his income was systematically devoted to charitable purposes, and he assisted in the erection of churches throughout the Province. He was a generous contributor to Bible, missionary, and all kindred societies, not only in South Australia, but in other parts of the world, and he also gave considerable sums towards the building of schools, while such institutions as the Bushman's Club and the Sailors' Home found in him a munificent helper. In addition his private benefactions were extensive. On May 15, 1879, this empire builder, [)rlncely colonist, and faithful Christian died at his residence, Lindsay House, Angaston, S.A., at the advanced age of 90 years. George Fife Angas must ever be credited with having been the I*"ather, Founder, and Faithful Friend of South Australia. ^...^ -