Page:Notable South Australians.djvu/237

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
OR, COLONISTS—PAST AND PRESENT.
197

Protestant or Romanist. Though loyal to the faith of his fathers, he recognised the right of every man to hold his own honest convictions in religion or politics. Returning to Devonshire in 1846, he established a lucrative business. He arrived with his family in South Australia by the barque "Jenny Lind," June 13, 1850, and was warmly welcomed by his brother Joseph, who had preceded him hither fourteen years previously. He lost no time in starting business at Port Adelaide, where he also acted as agent for the late Charles Simeon Hare. In 1854 he accompanied two of his sons to the Victorian diggings, where the party were fairly successful, and, after some rather remarkable adventures, returned to Port Adelaide. He here continued to follow his trade, which, by the aid of his sons, he brought to great perfection. His death took place on August 8, 1875, and was the result of an accident whilst he was on a visit to his son at Mintaro. Mr. Haddy's whole life was exemplary, and a proof of what practical excellence can exist with the necessities of constant hard work to bring up and place out respectably in the world a large family. His truth, benevolence, charity, and kindness have never probably been exceeded by any one, even in the highest walks of colonial life. His sons still reside at Port Adelaide, where they are well known and eminently respected.


Alfred William Meeks

WAS born at Cheltenham, England, and at an early age arrived in Victoria. He received his education at St James' and other prominent schools, and graduated as a teacher. He entered the employ of a mercantile house, from which he was transferred to more important appointments, becoming salesman and manager of a large Victorian import business; here arrangements were made for his admission to the partnership, but circumstances arose