Colonial Improver: Edward Deas Thomson 1800-1879

AUSTRALIANA Aboriginal Biography –

Thomson was colonial secretary of New South Wales 1837-1856 and lobbied for increased self-government maintained order on the goldfields helped achieve responsible government introduced uniform postage and pushed for the colony’s first railway.

Biography of Sir Edward Deas Thomson ; occasional references to Thomson’s concern for the health and well-being of the colony’s Aboriginal population.

First Edition.

• xv,209p., [4]p. of plates ; 23cm. #300925 (Gift inscription on fep.)
• Based on a thesis presented to the University of New England.
• Bibliography: p.187-201.

• First Nations (AIATSIS) Subject:

  • History – Biographies – Non-Indigenous
  • Government policy – State and territory – New South Wales
  • Health – Infectious diseases
  • Occupations – Public servants
  • Settlement and contacts – Colonisation
  • Race relations – Attitudes
  • New South Wales (NSW)

  Subject:

  • Thomson, E. Deas (Edward Deas), 1800-1879
  • New South Wales, 1828-1879. Thomson, Edward Deas, 1800-1879. Biographies
  • Governors-general — New South Wales — Biography
  • New South Wales — Politics and government
  • Sir Edward Deas Thomson KCMG, CB (1 June 1800 – 16 July 1879) was a Scotsman who became an administrator and politician in Australia, and was chancellor of the University of Sydney.Thomson arrived in Sydney in December 1828^[1] and proved to be a valuable officer. In January 1837 he became Colonial Secretary^[1] at a salary of £1500 a year and held this position for nearly 20 years. Although not without some criticism of the way he obtained the position,^[3] and that he was Governor Bourke’s son-in-law.^[4] he carried out his duties with much tact. During the stormy period of the governorship of Sir George Gipps it has been said of him that he was personally so respected that members of the council found it almost painful to oppose him. His experience was particularly useful during the passing of the constitution bill, and he was sent with William Wentworth to England to see the bill through the Imperial parliament. In 1854 he was given a public testimonial, half the amount subscribed being expended on a piece of plate and the remainder given to Sydney University to found a scholarship in his name. Thomson was asked by the governor, Sir William Denison, to form the first government under the new constitution but was unable to do so. He entered the New South Wales Legislative Council and was vice-president of the executive council in the Parker ministry,^[1] and on 19 August 1857 moved for a select committee on the question of Australian federation. The committee reported in favour of a federal assembly being established but the Charles Cowper ministry had come into power in the meantime, and the question was shelved.

    Thomson continued to be a member of the legislative council until his death, but his health had suffered from his heavy work as colonial secretary and he no longer attempted to take a leading part in its proceedings. He had been granted a substantial pension on his retirement in 1856 and he now had time to devote himself to other interests. He had been an original member of the senate of the University of Sydney when it was founded in 1850, he became vice-chancellor in 1863, and was chancellor from 1865 until 1878. He took an interest in sporting matters and for some years was president of the Australian Jockey Club. He also served as President of the Australian Club in Sydney. During his visit to England he was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) and in 1874 he was created a Knight Commander of St Michael and St George (KCMG)^[4]