Mr. w. A Horn ADELAIDE AND VICINITY 459 Mr. Horn wa.s one of the early jjioneers of Silvcrton and Broken Hill ; and in this latter field he acquired extensive interests. He was appointed a Director of the famous Broken Hill Proprietary Company, and was given many other official positions in connection with mining companies. On the discovery of the Mutooroo copper mines, his capital and influence were alike sought and enlisted for the promotion of the claims thereon. When Western Australia asserted its auriferous splendor, and prospecting expeditions were in great demand to search and explore for the hidden treasure, Mr. Horn pLit himself in the van of stimulative progress in that direction. He took a leading part in forming the Octagon Syndicate, with a view to fitting out expeditions to explore and prospect the vast mineral areas of the sister colony. In 1887 he first entered politics. He stood as a candidate for the Flinders District in that year, and was returned by a large majority to the House of As.sembly. For this electorate he sat for six years, retiring in 1893. In the following year he went to England, and did not return to the Province till December, 1896. His political career was characterised by readiness in debate, outspokenness, and stnrdiness of opinion. His policy was pre- eminently decisive and constant in purpose. Shuffling and shilly-shallying with their aimless and weakly intentions were his aversion. In connection with the Northern Territory, Mr. Horn proposed a measure in the Hou.se of Assembly to allow colored labor to be introduced on plantations, and in other semi-tropical industries. Ably defending the position he took up, and championing the good that would accrue from the passing of such a measure, he succeeded in winning the attention of the House, but the Labor Party, ever jealous of the .sacred privileges of the whites, and ever condemnatory of alien immigration, gathered their forces together, and effectually barred the progress of the measure. Mr, Horn's deep insight into the general character of the people is well illustrated in the action he took in a rather serious crisis in the agricultural industry of the Province. The farmers throughout South Australia, having experienced a succession of disastrous seasons, laid their grievances before Government in the form of a petition for a subsidy for seed wheat. They implored assistance in this direction; but the Government doubted whether the State would ever be recouped the proposed outlay, and accordingly refused the prayer, Mr. Horn urged that the farmers' request be granted, and placed faithful reliance on the honesty of the distressed agriculturists in his many strenuous addres.ses on the subject. He followed up his preaching by practice. All the beleaguered farmers in his constituency, and they aggregated no inconsiderable number, were equipped by him with seed wheat, and he trusted for re-payment to their honor. His confidence in them was justified ; for, as soon as they were able they all repaid him, with the exception of one poor selector whose holding was so small that it was utterly impossible for him to requite his obligation. Mr. Horn pitying the man's unfortunate position, purchased the holding and presented it to him. His whole conduct in this matter was exemplary, and not only proved his acquaintance with human nature, but showed his readiness to demonstrate by practice the sincerity of his professions. For his single-handed munificence he received the eulogiums of the Press, as well as the gratitude of the recipients of his kindness. EE2
