The Dictionary of Australasian Biography/Embling, Thomas
Embling, Thomas, M.R.C.S., L.S.A., is a native of Oxford, and was born in 1814. After embracing the medical profession, and becoming M.R.C.S. England, and L.S.A. London, he left for Australia in Oct. 1850, and after spending "Black Thursday" in Adelaide, S.A., reached Melbourne in Feb. 1851. Shortly after his arrival he was commissioned to overhaul the management of the Yarra Bend Lunatic Asylum; and having done this successfully, commenced the practice of his profession in Fitzroy, Melbourne, in 1853. In the following year he took a prominent part in the agitation for the redress of the gold-diggers' grievances, which culminated in the regrettable outbreaks at Ballarat and elsewhere. In 1855 Dr. Embling entered the Legislative Council as member for North Bourke, and represented Collingwood in the Assembly from 1856 to 1869, when he retired from political life. Dr. Embling aided in the start of the eight hours movement, and endeavoured to pass the Torrens (Land Transfer) Act through Parliament; but the measure was for the time rejected, though subsequently adopted on the initiative of Mr. Service. Dr. Embling was successful in obtaining a committee to inquire into the industries of the colony, which reported in favour of Protection; but it was several years before the present fiscal policy was adopted. Dr. Embling has long since retired from the practice of his profession.