Alfred Kennerley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Alfred Kennerley
10th Premier of Tasmania
In office 4 August 1873 – 20 July 1876
Preceded by	Frederick Innes
Succeeded by	Thomas Reibey
Personal details
Born	10 October 1810 Islington, London, England, UK
Died	15 November 1897 (aged 87) Hobart, Tasmania
Nationality	British
Spouse	Jane Rouse

Alfred Kennerley (born October 10, 1810 – died November 15, 1897) was an important Australian politician. He served as the Premier of Tasmania from August 4, 1873, to July 20, 1876. The Premier is the leader of the government in an Australian state.

Early Life and Moves

Alfred Kennerley was born in Islington, a part of London, England. He came from a wealthy family. When he was young, he moved from England to Australia. He first settled in New South Wales.

Marriage and Farming

On February 18, 1834, Alfred married Jane Rouse in Windsor. Jane was the daughter of a well-known settler named Richard Rouse. Alfred became a farmer in a place called Bringelly. He also became a local judge, known as a magistrate.

Returning to England

After his father passed away, Alfred decided to lease his land. He sold his farm animals and planned to go back to England. He and Jane sailed to London in March 1842. They returned to Sydney, Australia, in January 1845. Alfred started farming again. However, he found the Australian climate difficult for his health. Because of this, he and his wife moved back to England in 1853.

Life in Tasmania

In June 1857, the Kennerleys arrived in Hobart, Tasmania. They named their new home "Rouseville." Alfred quickly became involved in local politics.

Mayor of Hobart

Around 1860, Alfred became an alderman. An alderman is a member of a city council. He was elected as the Mayor of Hobart several times. He served as mayor in 1862, 1863, 1871, and 1872. This shows he was very popular and respected in the community.

Becoming Premier

Alfred Kennerley was elected to the Tasmanian Parliament. On August 4, 1873, he became the Premier of Tasmania. This was a very important role, leading the government of the state.

Political Challenges

During his time as Premier, there were many disagreements in politics. It was hard to get new projects started, even though different political groups often agreed on what needed to be done.

A Difficult Moment

One notable event happened soon after he became Premier. On August 15, 1873, there was a heated argument. It was between Premier Kennerley and another politician, William Lodewyk Crowther. The argument happened outside the Council chamber in Hobart. Kennerley had mentioned something about Crowther in Parliament. Because of this, Crowther threatened Kennerley with physical harm. Kennerley reported the incident to the Parliament. As a result, Mr. Crowther was officially told off for his actions.

A fracas occurred outside the Council chamber, Hobart Town, a few nights ago. Mr. Crowther, member for Hobart Town, threatened his colleague, Mr. Kennerley, with personal violence, because of the latter's allusion to Mr. Crowther's alleged abstraction of the last aboriginal's head. Mr. Kennerley called the attention of the House to the circumstance, and Mr. Crowther was reprimanded.

—Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 15 August 1873

Later Life and Legacy

Alfred Kennerley felt discouraged by the political struggles. He decided to resign as Premier on July 20, 1876. This was the only time he held the top political office.

Even after leaving the Premier's role, he remained a well-known figure. He was a strong supporter of the Church of England. People remembered him as a very generous and honest citizen of Hobart.

Alfred Kennerley passed away on November 15, 1897, at the age of 87. His wife, Jane, had died many years before him. They did not have any children.