Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/580

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554 ADELAIDE AND VICINITY Mr.w.R.Swan the late Sir Thomas Elder, and Mr. J. Fisher, he was interested in large properties on the Darling, New South Wales; and, also, with the late Sir Thomas Elder and Mr. R. Barr Smith, in sheep and cattle stations in Queensland. All these investments, extending to three colonies, enabled Mr. Swan to aid considerably in the development of the back country. It is for his work in this respect that he will be longest remembered. Mr. Swan occupied positions of importance and influence in the commercial world of South Australia. He was a large shareholder in Elder, Smith, & Co., director of the Mortgage Company of South Australia, and local director of the Commercial Union Assurance Company. His shrewdness and judgment were useful to all these institutions. He was for many years a Justice of the Peace. Mr. Swan reached the age of 72 years, and died on June 13, 1892. His illness lasted for five months, and was borne with that stoicism that distinguished his whole career. Mrs. Swan, his estimable wife, had returned with her only daughter, from a visit to England, a few weeks before. The funeral of Mr. Swan was attended by many influential people, who testified the respect they had for a man of superior worth, both in talent and in conduct. Professor William Henry Bragg, M.A., M.I.E.E. THE town of Wigton, in Cumberland, England, was the birthplace of Professor Bragg; and he obtained his early education at Market Harborough Grammar School, and King William College, Isle of Man, winning scholarships at both these educational establishments. In 1880 he won a Minor Exhibition at Trinity College, Cambridge, and in 1882 a Major Scholarship. At Cambridge he studied Mathematics under Dr. Routh, the famous instructor in that branch of mental athletics, and was placed Third Wrangler in 1884. He obtained a First-class in the succeeding examination for the second part of the Mathematical Tripos. After a year spent in teaching at Cambridge and studying in the Caven- dish Laboratory, he was appointed Professor of Mathematics in the University of Adelaide. Professor Bragg is a member of the University Council, of the Board of Governors of the Public Library, and of the Council of the School of Mines. He is also President of the Teachers' Guild, and a member of the Institute of Electrical Engineers. He took an active part in bringing about the present arrangement, made a year or so ago, by which the University undertakes the training of teachers for the State Schools. During his long connection with the Adelaide University, a large number of students have passed through his hands. It may be mentioned, as exemplifying the growth of the University, that when Professor Bragg assumed his present office some 1 5 years ago, there were only two students in the laboratory, whereas there are now over 200. This large increase of the alumni has necessitated commensurate extensions and alterations from time to time ; and additions have been made at the rear of the University building, which will give further room for developments in the departments under Professor Bragg's charge. In 1889 Professor Bragg became the son-in-law of Sir Charles Todd, Postmaster-General of South Australia.