Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), Saturday 20 February 1875, page 17


THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

With this number of The Australasian is given an engraved supplement containing a view of the interior of the Legislative Council chamber during a debate, and also portraits of every member of the Legislative

Council.

The Legislative Council chamber forms a portion of the unfinished pile of buildings at the top of Bourke-street, which is called the Parliament Houses of Victoria. The original design of the Parliament Houses was a very handsome one, and would have been a credit to any European city, but it is very doubtful whether it will ever be carried out in its entirety, as the proposed front would necessitate an expenditure of nearly a quarter of a million sterling. The buildings were originally designed under the superintendence of Captain Pasley, R.E., the first Commissioner of Public Works after the proclama tion of responsible government. The architects who sent in the successful design were Messrs. Knight and Kerr.' The first contract called for the Legislative Council was for the foundations of that portion of the building, on the 13th March, 1856. The next contract, for the completion of the building above the basement, was commenced injthe following June. The first Parliament under responsible government in the colony was called together on the 21st November of the same year, and on that occasion the interior of the building was far from completed, and the scaffolding had to be removed in order to allow of the opening ceremonial taking place in that chamber. The chamber, although the same size between the walls as the Legislative Assembly chamber, appears to be much smaller, in consequence of the introduction of a row of Corinthian columns, standing out from the walls about 5ft. Arches are turned from column to column, and intersect the vaulting of the main roof. As the principal ceremonies—such as the visit of His Excellency the Governor to open or prorogue Parliament, or to give the Royal assent to bills—take place in this chamber, aud there are a lesser number of members of the Council than in the Assembly, a much larger space has been set apart for the accommodation of spectators, and greater attention has been paid to architectural embellishments. Elegant galleries run round the building, and two galleries below the bar are set aside for members of the Assembly. Niches have been provided at the back of the ladies' galleries for statues, but none of these niches have yet been filled. The ceiling is exceedingly elaborate, arches being turned from column to column, intersecting the elliptical curve of the centre span, which is coffered and highly enriched with ornamentation. The spaces between the arches turned over the columns are filled in with life-sized figures in mezzo relievo, the following subjects being symbolised, viz.

Justice, Mercy, Wisdom, Liberty, Concord, Fame, Plenty, Eloquence. These figures were modelled by Mr. Charles Somers, Mr. Loiando Jones, and Messrs. M'Kennal and Scurry. The latter gentlemen also did the greater part of the architectural ornamentation of the interior. The interior is lighted in the day-time by elaborately curved glass lights between thecolumns divided out byguilloched ribs. At night-rime it is lighted by three handsome chandeliers. The canopy above the dais is an elaborate piece of workmanship. It consists of clusters of miniature columnB in the Corinthian style, with enriched cornices. Above the canopy are the Royal arms, with the lion and unicorn sup. porters on either corner. The seats are handsomely fitted with crimson velvet cushions. The contractors for the building were Messrs. Cornish and Co.

For representation in the Legislative Council the colony is divided into six provinces,

each of which returns five members, who retain their seat for 10 years, but two retire each year by rotation. The qualification for a member of the Council is the possession of

property of the value of £2,500, or yof the

annual value of £250.

The following is a list of the members, arranged in alphabetical order:— A'BECKETT, THOMAS TURNER—CENTRAL

PROVINCE.—Was first elected September, 1858, In place of the Hon. N.Gutheridge, who retired by rotation, and did not come forward for re-election. Dr. Wilkie con-tested the election, but Mr. T. T. A'Beckett was in a majority of 421 votes, the numbers

being—A'Beckett, 1,038; Wilkie, 617. At the end of 10 years he was again elected, September 8,1868. In April, 1870, having accepted office as Commissioner of Trade and Customs in the third M'Culloch Go-

vernment, he was re-elected unopposed on the 20th of that month. He will retire in 1878.

A'BECKETT, WILLIAM ARTHUR CAL-

LANDER—South Province.—Was elected September 16, 1868, in place of the Hon. John Sherwin, deceased. Mr. W. A. C. A'Beckett was opposed by Messrs. N. Levi and J. Halfey, and at the declaration of the poll the numbers were as follows:—

A'Beckett, 471 ; Levi, 349 ; Halfey, 172. Mr. W. A C. A'Beckett represented the Duffy Government in the Legislative Council, but did not take office. He will

retire in 1876.

ANDERSON, ROBT STIRLING-Eastern

Province.—Commissioner of Public Works. Was first elected March 6, 1866, on the death of the Hon. William Haines. There was then only eight months of the ten years unexpired, and upon its expiration in October, Mr. Anderson was returned un-opposed for a farther period of 10 years. Having accepted the portfolio of Public Works under the Kerferd Government, Mr. Anderson had to go before his consti-tuents again, and was returned unopposed on the 15th May, 1874, Mr. Anderson represented Emerald-hill in the Legislative Assembly for nine years before he obtained a seat-in the Legislative Council. During that time he was twice a Minister of the Crown. He was Commissioner of Customs in the Heales Ministry (1860-61), and was again Commissioner of Customs in the third O'Shanassy Government (1861-63.) He will retire in 1876.

BALFOUR, JAMES—South Province.—Was

elected June 19, 1874, in place of the Hon. W. Degraves, who resigned his seat. The province was also contested by Mr. W. Taylor, who was defeated by 213 votes, the numbers being—Balfour, 1,012; Taylor, 709. Mr. Balfour had previously a seat in the Legislative Assembly, when he for some time represented East Bourke. He will retire in 1880.

BEAR, JOHN PINNEY—South Province.— Was first elected June 1, 1863, in the place of the Hon. J. B. Bennett He was then opposed by Mr. Patrick O'Brien, and at the polling the numbers were—Bear, 912; O'Brien, 284. He retired by rotation in September, 1868, but again came forward for re-election. He was opposed by Mr. W. Harbison, who was defeated by 23 votes, the numbers being—Bear, 535; Harbison, 512. He will retire in 1878.

BLACK, NEIL—Western Province.—Was

first elected February 9,1859, in the room of Daniel Joseph Tierney, whose, election was declared null and void by the Commit-tee of Elections and Qualifications, Janu-ary 20, 1859. Mr. Black was on that occa-sion opposed by Mr. W. Lane, but he polled 487 votes to his opponent's 227. He retired by rotation in October, 1862, but was re-elected without opposition; and upon the completion of another 10 years, in August, 1872, he was again re-elected unopposed. He will retire in 1882.

BROMELL, THOMAS—Western Province.

—Was elected September 11, 1874, in the place of the Hon. James Ford Strachan, who retired by rotation, and did not again come forward. Mr. Bromell was opposed by Messrs. Learmonth and E. Henty, and the votes polled were as follows:—Bromell, 637; Learmonth, 186; Henty, 175. He will retire in 1884.

CAMPBELL, WILLIAM—North-Western

Pbovince.—Was elected November 1, 1862, in place of the Hon. George Rolfe, who retired by rotation, bat again came forward for re-election. Mr. Campbell polled 819 votes, wbile Mr. Rolfe only secured 312. He retired by rotation in September, 1872, when be was opposed by Mr. Meredith, but was successfully re-elected, the numbers polled being—Campbell, 1,606; Mere- dith, 675. He will retire in 1882,

COLE; GEORGE WARD—Central Pbo

vince.—Was originally elected in 18-59, upon tbe 13th October, in the place of the Hon. J. Hood. At the expiration of the .. tenure of his seat, in Angost, 1860, he again

came forward, and was returned unopposed, 20th September of that year. At tbe end of another 10 years be again offered himself for re-election, and was returned unopposed, December 10, 1870. He will retire in 1880.

CUMMING, JOHN—South-Wespern . Pro

vince.—Was elected without opposition, March 12, 1870, in place of the Hon. John M'Crae, deceased. On the 24th August of the same year the tenure of his seat expired, and he was re-elected unopposed. He will retire in 1880.

CUTHBERT, HENRY—South-Western

Province.—Wap* elected August 25, 1874, in place of the Hon. Robert Cnthhertson Hope, who retired by rotation, and did not again come forward for the province. Mr. Cnthbert was returned unopposed. He will retire in 1884.

DOBSON, FRANK STANLEY-South Pbo

vince.—Was elected December 1, 1870, in place of the Hon. W. J. T. Clarke, who resigned. Dr. Dobson was opposed by Mr. W. Harbison, but beat him by 24 votes, the numbers being—Dobson, 574; Harbison, 550. In August, 1872, Dr. Dobson retired by effluxion of time, but was reelected withont opposition. He will retire

in 1882.

FITZGERALD, NICHOLAS-North-West-

ern Province.—Was elected November 2, 1864, in place of the Hon. F. Robertson, who retired by rotation, and was unsuc-cessful in being re-elected. Mr. Fitz-gerald retired by rotation in September, 1874, but was re-elected without opposition. He will retire in 1884.

FRASER, ALEXANDER—North-Western

Province.—Was elected September 13, 1858, in place of the Hon. John Allan, re-

signed. On that occasion Mr. Fraser was victorious over Dr. Wilkie and Mr. Richard Capper, as he secured 336 votes against 289 ana 20 polled by his opponents. In October,

1866, he retired by rotation, and ifaa re-j elected unopposed. In June, 1872, having accepted office as Minister of Public Wolks J under the FrahcisGovernment, he again went before his constituents, and was re

turned. unopposed. He-will retire in 1876. GRAHAM, JAMES—Central Province.— Was elected unopposed, September 29, 1866, in place of the Hon- William Hull, whb resigned. He will retire in 1876.

HAMILTON, THOMAS FERRIER—South

Pbovince.—Was elected January 4, 1872, without opposition, in place of the Hon. W. H. Pettett, deceased. In August, 1874, he retired to effluxion of time, and was again elected without opposition. He will retire in 1884.

HENTY, JAMES—South-Western Pbo

vince.—Was elected 4th September, 1856, at the first eleotion under the n** constitution, and was then third on thepoU, Mr. Strachan and Dr. Hope being first and

I "Wttadj He retired byroteiteoSeptetefcM

12,1862, and was re-elected vnthoutoppe[ anion. In September, 1872, hBVibf com

pleted another 10 years, he again retired by rotation; ana wasagato re-electad *tth.outopposition. Hewili retire in 1882,

HIGHKTT, WILLIAM—EasternProving!. «SS-«iected in April, 1857, in Che pte$e pf Mr. William Kaye,.unseated on the report of too Elections and Qualifications (w« ' mittee ; _ having retired by rotation, he

was re-elected Octobers, i860, unopposed, and having served 10 years, was again returned, unopposed, September 2,1870. He will retire in 1880,

JENNER, CALEB JOSHUA—South-West

ken Province. — (Chairman of Committees.) Was first elected March 17, 1863, upon the retirement of the Hon. Gee. Coppin. At that time Mr. Jennet was opposed bv Mr. C. J. Griffiths, but he was returned by a majority of 234 over bis Opponent At the expiration of the tenure of his seat he was re-elected (September 29,1868) for a further period of 10 years. Mr. Jenner represented the Macpherson Government (i869-70) in the Council, and also the Daffy Government (1871-72) apon the retirement from that position of Mr. W. A. C. A'Beckett. Mr. Jenner has never, however, accepted an office of profit under the Crown. He will retire in 1878.

M'KELLAR, THOMAS—Western Province. —Was elected September 12,1870, in place of Sir James P. Palmer, the President of the Council, who retired by rotation, and did

not again come forward for re-election. Mr.

M Keller was opposed by Mr. Martin, but polled 645 votes to his opponent's 28L Mr.

KuUar will retire in 1880.

MITCHELL, WILLIAM HENRY FAN

. £PURT — North - Western Province. —

(fjftident.) Was elected in September,

1856, upon' the proclamation of the now constitution. He was then last on the poll, the other members being Monnrn Eeogh, Allan, Urqubart, andPatterson. In April, 1857,_ he resigned bin seat, having accepted office in the Becond Haines Government, but was again re-elected, nlthmnph opposed by Mr* Hector Normaa SimSM* one of the defeated candidates at the pre* yious election. In October, 1858, he retired by rotation, bat on coining forward

was successfully opposed by Dr. Wilkie. In July he again came forward, in place of Mr. Patterson, deceased, and this was elected by a large majority over his opaenent, Mr. M'Donogh, the latter only polling 31 to Mr. Mitchell's 525. In I860, Mr. Mitchell retired by effluxion of time, but was again re-elected. In the year 1862 he took office as Commissioner of Railways, and was again elected without opposition; as was the case upon his retiring by rotation in 1870. Mr. Mitfchell was elected President upon the retirement of Sir James Palmer. He will retire in 1880.

MURPHY, SIR FRANCIS—Eastern Pro

vince.—Was elected December 5,1872, in place of the Hon. Robert Turnbull, who died November 2L 1872. Sir Francis Murphy was unopposed. He represented Granville in the Legislative Assembly for s*me

years, and was Speaker of that House. He' will retire in 1882.

ROBERTSON, FRANCIS-North-Western

Province.—Was originally elected in May, I860, in place of the Hon. D. Eeogh, resigned. He retired by rotation in October; 1864, _ and was not succesasful in his reelection, bat on coming forward (November 2,1868) in opposition to the Hon. David Wilkie, the Chairman of Committees, who retired by rotation but again came forward for the Province, he was successful, polling 716 votes; while Dr. Wilkie only secured 370. He will rtetire in 1876.

RUSSELL, PHILLIP—South-Western Pro

vince.—Was elected, unopposed, April 29, 1869, in place of the Hon. T. Learmonth, who resigned. He will retire in 1876.

SARGOOD, FREDERICK THOMAS—Cen

tral Province.—Was elected May 12.1874, in place of Sir John O'Shanassy, woe resigned his seat to contest Kilmore for the Legislative Assembly. Mr. A. K. Smith contested the Province with Mr. Sargood, but was defeated by 822 votes, the numbers being—Sargood, 2,497; A. K. Smith, 1,675. There are 8,032 electors on the roll, hut only 4,172 voted. He will retire in

1882.

SIMSON, ROBERT—Western Province.—

Was elected October 6,1868, in place of the Hon. Charles Sladen, who retired by rotation. Mr. Simson was unopposed. Hie will

retire in 1878.

SKENE, WILLIAM—Western Province.—

Was elected without opposition, December 14,1870, in place of the Hon. S. G. Henty, who resigned. He will retire in 1876.

SUMNER, THEODOTUS JOHN—Central

Province.—Was elected March 31,1873, in place of the Hon. Archibald Michie, who accepted office as agent-general. Mr. Sumner was opposed by Mr. A. K. Smith, but was the victor by 85 votes, the numbers being—Sumner, 1,811; A. K. Smith, 1,726. He retired by rotation August 15,1874, but was re-elected without opposition. He will

retire in 1884.

WALLACE, JOHN ALSTON—Eastern Pro

vince.—Was elected unopposed, November 27, 1873, in the place or the Hon. PL M. Murphy, resigned, Mr. Wallace retired by rotation in September, 1874, and was again returned unopposed. He will retire in 1884.

WILSON, WILLIAM—Eastern Province.— Was elected January 13, 1875, in place of the Hon. Benjamin Williams, deceased. Mr. Wilson was at first opposed by Mr. Brown, bat before the polling day that gentleman withdrew!rom the contest, and Mr. Wilson was declared elected. Mr. Wilaon represented Ararat in the Legislative Assembly for several years, and was Commissioner of Railways in the M 'Culloch Governments of 1868-69 and 1870-71. He will retire in 1878. *