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NOTABLE SOUTH AUSTRALIANS;

of soap, and these two important industries were introduced and maintained by him up to the present time. The firm of W. H. Burford & Sons have also manufactured stearine candles and toilet soaps, articles in great request, and for which they were prize-takers at many exhibitions. Mr. Burford has long striven for the best interests of South Australia. He was a member of the first Adelaide Corporation, which died of inanition, and was succeeded by a Commission or Board of three members. He united with his fellow-citizens in opposing the attempted encroachment upon Victoria-square for cathedral purposes. He was elected one of the first six members for Adelaide, under the present constitution of responsible government, and by his strict attention to Parliamentary duties was instrumental in saving the Real Property Act (a measure which met with ' much opposition). The late Sir R. R. Torrens acknowledged this in a letter to Mr. Burford, in which he commented on his services and action in the matter; and although his career in the House was but short, in this instance it proved a blessing of untold value to many colonists and communities. Regarding Torrens's Act Mr. Burford says: "It must be ever watched over and cared for, to prevent infringements on the part of some of the legal profession, who would much prefer their gains under the old régime." In his 79th year Mr. Burford is a hale and hearty man, his chief infirmity being deafness; he is one of a class of earnest pioneers rapidly passing away, and leaving only the recollection of their good deeds in. the hearts of their fellow-men. Did space permit, this record might be extended, for could we not relate the strenuous exertions of William Henville Burford with Mr. Joseph Allen and other advocates for the abolition of capital punishment? Time alone can determine whether capital punishment shall be abolished, and whatever may be said against its advocates, it is certain that here they are only actuated by a sense of justice and right.