The Dictionary of Australasian Biography/Milne, Hon. Sir William
Milne, Hon. Sir William, the son of the late William Milne, of Glasgow, merchant, was born in 1822, and educated at the High School, Glasgow. He was one of the pioneer settlers of South Australia, and was engaged in business at Adelaide from 1839 to 1857, when he was returned to the Legislative Assembly for Onkaparinga. This constituency he represented till 1868, and was returned to the Legislative Council in the following year. He was Commissioner of Crown Lands in the Baker Ministry from August to Sept. 1857, and in the Hanson Government from July 1859 to May 1860; Commissioner of Public Works under Mr. Waterhouse, from Feb. 1862 to July 1863; Commissioner of lands in the Ayers Ministry, from July to August 1864; Commissioner of Public Works in the Blyth Government, from August 1864 to March 1865; Commissioner of Lands in the Boucaut Ministry, from March 1866 to May 1867; Chief Secretary under Mr. Hart, from May 1870 to Nov. 1871, and in the Blyth Government from that date till Jan. 1872. Sir William Milne was President of the Legislative Council from July 1873 to Feb. 1881, when he resigned. He married in 1842 Eliza, daughter of John Disher, of Adelaide. Sir William was knighted in 1876.