23rd November 2019
Jacarandas are pictured in bloom at Sir Samuel Griffith’s grand residence, Merthyr, which had frontages to Moray Street (between Merthyr and Sydney Sts) and the river.
The man who was to be twice Premier, then Chief Justice of Queensland, arrived in Queensland in the 1850s. He was responsible for important social and legal reforms.
To speak about “Samuel Walker Griffith: Premier, Chief Justice, Radical and New Farm resident” at the final meeting of 2019 for the New Farm & Districts Historical Society will be local resident Doug Drummond
He tackled issues such as the political dominance of the squatters and the importation of Pacific Islander labour,” said Doug. “Political critics said that he had a ‘moral twist’ so they kept alive his schoolboy nick-name, ‘Oily Sam’.
Griffith was a key figure in the movement towards Federation and became the first Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia. He even led a strike by the High Court judges.
“This great Queenslander deserves to be better known,” said Mr Drummond.
Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity by coming to the meeting on Saturday, 23 November, 2-4pm, at Merthyr Road Uniting Church Centre.
Afternoon tea will be provided. All are welcome. Bring your friends.