Patrick Jennings facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Patrick Jennings
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Sir Patrick Alfred Jennings
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| 11th Premier of New South Wales | |
| In office 26 February 1886 – 19 January 1887 |
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| Preceded by | John Robertson |
| Succeeded by | Henry Parkes |
| Colonial Secretary | |
| In office 10 October 1885 – 21 December 1885 |
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| Premier | George Dibbs |
| Preceded by | George Dibbs |
| Succeeded by | John Robertson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 20 March 1831 Newry, County Down, Ireland |
| Died | 11 July 1899 (aged 68) Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
Sir Patrick Alfred Jennings (20 March 1831 – 11 July 1897) was an important Irish-Australian politician. He became the Premier of New South Wales, which is like being the leader of the state government.
Contents
Early Life and Moving to Australia
Patrick Jennings was born in Newry, Ireland, on March 20, 1831. His father, Francis Jennings, was a successful merchant in their town. Patrick went to school in Newry and later in Exeter, England. After finishing school, he started a career in business.
In 1852, when he was 21, Patrick moved to Australia. He first tried his luck with gold mining in St Arnaud, Victoria. Soon after, he opened a shop. He then got involved in a business that crushed rocks to find gold. Later, he bought a very large farm near the Murrumbidgee River. By 1857, he became a local official, known as a magistrate.
In 1859, he tried to get elected to the Victorian parliament but did not win. However, he became the leader of the St Arnaud local council. In 1863, he married Mary Ann Shanahan. They then moved to a place called Warbreccan, near Deniliquin, New South Wales.
Around 1863, Patrick became interested in the idea of making the Riverina area a separate state. Two years later, he was asked to go to England to talk to the British government about problems in the area. He decided not to go, believing they could solve the issues with the New South Wales government instead.
Patrick Jennings' Political Journey
Patrick Jennings joined the New South Wales Legislative Council in 1867. This was a part of the parliament. He left in 1870 to become a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, representing the Murray area. He resigned in 1872 and was out of parliament for a few years.
He tried to get back into parliament several times but was not successful in elections held in 1874, 1875, and 1877.
Patrick also represented New South Wales at several important exhibitions. He was a commissioner at the colonial exhibition in Melbourne in 1875. He also represented New South Wales, Queensland, and Tasmania at a big exhibition in Philadelphia, USA, in 1876. In 1879, he was a main organizer for the International Exhibition held in Sydney.
In 1880, Patrick was elected to the Legislative Assembly again, representing the Bogan area. From January to July 1883, he was the Vice-President of the Executive Council in the government led by Sir Alexander Stuart.
From October to December 1885, he served as the Colonial Secretary in the government of George Dibbs.
Becoming Premier
In February 1886, Patrick Jennings made history. He became the first Premier of New South Wales who was a practicing Catholic. He also served as the Colonial Treasurer, managing the state's money.
His time as Premier lasted only 11 months. His government faced many challenges, including a difficult financial situation. He tried to fix the budget by adding a 5% tax on imported goods. This tax was seen by some as going against his promise of free trade. Patrick was a kind and cultured man, but he found it hard to control a government that included strong personalities like Dibbs and others. He did not run in the 1887 election.
Later Life and Contributions
After being Premier, Patrick Jennings continued to serve New South Wales. In 1887, he represented the state at an important meeting of colonial leaders in London. In 1890, he was nominated to the Legislative Council again. He was also one of the New South Wales representatives at the meeting in Sydney in 1891 that discussed creating a united Australia.
Patrick was very involved with the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales. He was its vice-president from 1876 to 1887. He helped get the land at Moore Park for the famous Sydney Royal Easter Show.
He was a cultured man who loved art and music. He even donated £1100 to Sydney University to help buy an organ for their great hall. He made many friends and was a well-known person in New South Wales for many years.
Patrick Jennings passed away in Brisbane on July 11, 1897. His wife had died in 1887. He was survived by his two sons and one daughter.
Honours and Recognition
Patrick Jennings was a respected leader among people of his faith. He was interested in receiving honours and titles. In 1874, Pope Pius IX honoured him with the Order of St. Gregory the Great. In 1876, he was made a Knight Commander of the Order of Pope Pius IX and St. Gregory the Great. He also received the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Pius IX from Pope Leo XIII.
In 1880, he was made a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) by the British Crown. In 1887, he received an honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) degree from Dublin University.
The town of Jennings, New South Wales was named in his honour.
