Notable South Australians/Capt. W. L. O'Halloran
Major O'Halloran, was attached to the staff of his father, Major-General Sir Joseph O'Halloran, G.C.B., in the Saugor Divison, Central India. Soon afterwards he returned home, and was for several months engaged in recruiting duty in Ireland, In those days it was a rare thing for promotion in the British army to he granted as the reward of merit, and it was not until 1838 that Captain O'Halloran obtained his company, and then only hy purchase. He did not retain his position in the 38th Regiment long, and in 1840 he reached South Australia, having retired from military service. In 1843 he secured a position upon the Civil establishment of the colony, and in that year was appointed a member of the Audit Board, and shortly afterwards Private Secretary to Governor Grey, and Clerk of the Executive Council. These he retained for some time, hut in 1851 he received the appointment of Auditor-General, in succession to Mr. F. C. Singleton, who exchanged duties with him . In this important office he remained for close upon seventeen years. The work devolving upon him was most arduous and responsible, and it was performed with a conscientiousness and ability which ensured for him the confidence of a long succession of Governments as well as of the public at large. Captain O'Halloran's retirement from the service took place early in 1868, since which he has resided in South Australia, taking no active part in public affairs, hut still exhibiting an intelligent interest in the progress of the colony. In his official capacity he had the reputation of being a strict disciplinarian, his military training having evidently left its impress upon his mind. At the same time he could unbend to those who won his regard, and there are many outside of his family circle who will remember him with respect and cherish his memory. There are few old colonists who have not a vivid recollection of Captain O'Halloran, whose tall, upright figure, military hearing, and courteous address marked him out for what he was—a soldier and a gentleman.