Mr.j.T.scherk - ADELAIDE AND VICINITY 361 South Australia and the many colonists from his own soil who had sought their fortune there, and he determined to throw in his lot with them in this British Province. On his arrival in Adelaide in 1861, he repaired to the German townships of Lobethal and Tanunda, where he became a schoolmaster under the rdgivic of the old Education Council. Eor several years he followed this occupation, and the younger generation of these German setdements profited educationally by his instruction. In 1870 Mr. Scherk left for Adelaide, where he invested in an agency business. In this enterprise he was fortunate, and his business relationship assumed, in course of time, substantial proportions. His commercial qualifications were as marked as his professional endowments. On attaining a measure of independent fortune, Mr. .Scherk resolved to turn his attention actively and jiractically to public affairs. He had interested himself in the politics of the Province since his arrival, and had closely watched the course of legislative events. In May, 1886, he stood as a candidate for E^ast Adelaide, and he was elected at the head of the poll, an honor which was repeated successively in the triennial general elections of 1887, 1890, 1893, 1896, and 1899; a continued declaration in his favor of this high nature is sufficient to prove the high opinion his electorate held, and .still holds, of his political worth. He has always been unremitting in his efforts to discharge the duties entrusted to him, and his attendance in the House was constant. The reason of this constancy is his love for all legislative agenda. He follows the debates with a closeness of attention that enables him to at once gain vantage ground when it comes to his turn for discussion and argument. The great object of Mr. Scherk's life is devoted to the progressive cause of South Australian institutions. In the As.sembly he has introduced several measures which he has carried to a successful issue. The .Savings Bank Amendment Act is one of these, and friendly societies now enjoy the fruits of this labor. His undertakings have always been prompted by his earnest convictions. Mr. Scherk aims at gradual and efficacious advance. Huge strides of radical and avalanche-like reform, the playthings of plunging mind.s, do not receive his support. He is a member of the Adelaide School Board of Advice, and his mature experience in connection with educational matters has been highly valued by his co-members. Many years before entering Parliament he was President of a Young Men's Debating Society. He also took a special interest in the welfare of friendly .societies, being a Past Grand of the Manchester Unity. Eor some time he occupied the position of Grand Treasurer of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, and in 1886 he was elected as Grand Master of the Order for the Province. At the present time the offices of treasurer and trustee of various Lodges are discharged by him. Under his auspices and direction as Chairman of the Committee of the Grand United P>iendly Societies' Demonstration the greatest and most successful demonstration that Adelaide has beheld was brought off, and for his services in this connection he received the compliments of the then Ciovernor, the late Sir William Robinson. The Masonic craft claims Mr. Scherk as one of its most prominent members. He is a member of the Druids, and was elected first honorary member of the United Daughters of Australia. He is Past Grand Master of the Independent Order of Oddfellows. A few years ago Mr. Scherk was appointed a Commissioner for taking affida'its of the Supreme Court, and in 1882 was nuide a Justice of the Peace. He was constituted a
