Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/508

482 ADELAIDE AND VICINITY Mr. s. j. Mitchell his studies. Despite the difficulty, especially .severe in the case of adults, of being cramped in a dry and routine study, he made rapid progress in his new profession. In recognition of his business abilities, he was, meanwhile, given the management of the office. In 1889 he took the LL. B. degree at the Adelaide University, and in the following year opened in practice in the city as a barrister, solicitor, and notary. In this new sphere he realised his expectations by becoming a very successful practitioner. His practice in the Supreme, Criminal, and Petty Courts became extensive, and he has been complimented by the Bench for his .success in conducting important cases. In legal circles he is known rather as a good all-round man than as a specialist. His clients have reason to be as satisfied with his work as he has himself Mr. Mitchell has been a member of the committee of the Glenelg Institute since its inception. He is also an enthusiastic Freemason, and was Worshipful Master of his Lodge at Port Augusta. He has been the president of the Electric Telegraph Association of South Australia ever since its foundation. Until recently he has resisted many requests to enter the political arena, but now aspires to represent the Northern Territory in Parliament. His career is an example for ambitious young men, and should encourage them in their desire to attain success in any sphere. Mr. Mitchell is a collected, vigilant, persistent man of strong will. Whatever he sets his mind to do, he accomplishes. His successes are not envied ; for it is on all hands agreed that whatever he achieves he deserves. Mr. James Thompson Hackett, B.A. AMONG the few legal men in South Australia who have acted as leader-writers on the daily newspapers is Mr. Hackett, one time partner of the genial and popular politician, Sir John Cox Bray. Mr. James Thompson Hackett, B.A., was born in the Colony of Victoria in 1858. His preliminary education was received in the Melbourne Public Schools, and afterwards he studied at the Melbourne University, where he took his degree in Arts. The University of Adelaide was then beginning its career, and the schools of this Province were recruiting their teaching staff in preparation for the higher .standard of education which the University required. Mr. Hackett was asked to accept the position of master at Whinham College, and came to the Province for this purpose at the age of 18. Sub.sequently, in 1881, acting on the kindly advice of Mr. Justice Bundey (then Mr. Bundey, Q.C.), he resigned his office of pedagogue and turned to the law articling himself to Mr. Sheridan, the partner of Sir John Bray. During the short term of his articles two prizes were offered, one on the comparison of Roman and English Law, and the other on the Growth of the Constitution under the Stuarts, and both were secured by Mr. Hackett. In three years he was admitted to practice, and was immediately afterwards taken into full partnership by Sir John Bray. The two gentlemen continued in partnership until 1891, when Sir John went to P2ngland to take up the duties of Agent- General. .Since that year Mr. Hackett has practised on his own responsibility. Mr. Hackett has from time to time visited the other parts of the world, and as he has not yet passed his fortieth year, he has many valuable years still before him.