The Dictionary of Australasian Biography/Nichols, George Robert

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1423085The Dictionary of Australasian Biography — Nichols, George RobertPhilip Mennell

Nichols, George Robert, M.L.A., the son of Isaac Nichols, Principal Superintendent of Convicts, and subsequently the first Postmaster in New South Wales, was born in Sydney on Sept. 27th, 1809. He was educated in England, but returned to New South Wales in 1822, when he qualified as a solicitor, and obtained a large practice. In 1848 he was elected to the old Legislative Council for the Northumberland Boroughs; and when responsible government was conceded he represented his old constituents in the Legislative Assembly. He was Auditor-General in the Donaldson Government—the first formed under the new régime—from June to August 1856. Later in the same year failing health compelled him to decline a portfolio in the Parker Ministry. Amongst the pupils articled to him were Sir James Martin (afterwards Premier and Chief Justice of New South Wales) and Sir Richard Dry (afterwards Premier of Tasmania). He was conceded the privilege, enjoyed by no other practitioner of his grade, of appearing professionally in both the superior and inferior courts of the colony. He died on Sept. 12th, 1857.