Notable South Australians/J. W. Lewis, J.P.
J. W. Lewis, J.P.,
FOR many years a prominent officer in the South Australian public service, died July 2, 1879, aged 59 years. He arrived in the colony by the ship "Cleveland" in 1839, and was at first employed by the late Emanuel Solomon as his managing clerk. He received an appointment under Government, January 1, 1846, as chief clerk in the General Post Office, and on January 1, 1856, in consequence of the illness of Capt. Watts, the then Postmaster General, was appointed Deputy Postmaster General. On the death of his predecessor he was promoted (July 1, 1861) to his place. In the different offices be held, Mr. Lewis showed himself possessed of much business ability, and his administration gave general satisfaction. On the amalgamation of the Post and Telegraph Departments, 1869, under Mr. Todd, Mr. Lewis's services were dispensed with. He was appointed Collector of Customs on May 22, 1870, and held that position up till his decease. Mr. Lewis possessed much histrionic ability, and occasionally, as an amateur, took part in theatrical performance& He was a great lover of music, and few were more hospitable to the musical artists who visited the colony. He took a prominent part in the founding of the Mechanics' Institute, from which sprang the present S. A. Institute, and occupied the post of lieutenant in the late Hon. W. Younghusbands' Volunteer Company. He was unostentatious and unassuming, and it is recorded of him that he was a faithful friend to the deserving.