Notable South Australians/James Page

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James Page,

VICE-CONSUL for Switzerland and Consular-Agent for France, is a native of London. Resided about nine years in France and Germany, when he returned to England, and shortly after left for South Australia, arriving here in February, 1850. First engaged in the office of the late John Newman, Port Adelaide, but ere long joined in partnership with Mr. R. Cleland, the firm being known as Cleland, Page, and Co. In 1867 he left the Port business to Mr. Cleland, and joined the firm of W. Morgan & Co., in which he continued until the death of the senior partner. During hi& residence at the Port Mr. Page took an active part in political and municipal matters, and was Chairman of the first District Council of Alberton and Queenstown. He may also be considered the originator of the Volunteer movement, since, on the declaration of war with Russia in 1854, he immediately posted a placard calling the people to arms, organised a public meeting, and drew up the resolutions for forming a Volunteer Corps. In consequence of these prompt measures, three companies were formed at Port Adelaide, and continued even when the colonial forces were disbanded. Mr. Page was an officer of volunteers until 1867, when he applied to be placed on the "Retired List." He is a member of the Lodge Adelaide 341 of Freemasons, S C., and in 1861 was Deputy Provincial Grand Master of the Scotch Constitution, with the late John Hart as Provincial Grand Master. He is also one of the oldest members of the Victorian Lodge of Oddfellows, M.U. Olive cultivation has long found in him a strong advocate, and he personally, during the planting season of 1871, distributed throughout this colony upwards of 100,000 plants and trees, with a view to give this industry an impetus.