William Giblin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Giblin
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| 13th Premier of Tasmania | |
| In office 5 March 1878 – 20 December 1878 |
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| Preceded by | Philip Fysh |
| Succeeded by | William Crowther |
| In office 30 October 1879 – 15 August 1884 |
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| Preceded by | William Crowther |
| Succeeded by | Adye Douglas |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 4 November 1840 Hobart, Van Diemen's Land |
| Died | 17 January 1887 (aged 46) Hobart, Tasmania |
| Spouse | Emily Jean Perkins |
| Children | Lyndhurst Giblin |
William Robert Giblin (born November 4, 1840 – died January 17, 1887) was an important political leader in Tasmania, Australia. He served as the Premier of Tasmania two times. His first term was from March 5, 1878, to December 20, 1878. He then served a longer second term from 1879 to 1884.
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Who Was William Giblin?
William Giblin was born in Hobart, which was then called Van Diemen's Land. Today, this area is known as Tasmania. His father, William Giblin, worked as a clerk, and his mother was Marion Falkiner.
His Early Education and Career
Young William first went to a school run by his uncle, Robert Giblin. Later, he attended Hobart High School. He left school at just 13 years old. After school, he began training to become a lawyer. He worked for a solicitor named John Roberts.
William was a very keen reader and had an excellent memory. In 1862, he won a prize for a poem he wrote. Around this time, he also gave talks on different literary topics. In 1864, he became a qualified barrister and solicitor. He then joined a law firm with John Dobson and later with John's son, Henry Dobson.
Helping the Community
In 1864, William Giblin also helped start the Hobart Working Men's Club. This club was a place for working people to learn and socialize. He was chosen as its president many times. He also became very interested in public projects, especially a plan to build a railway. This railway would connect Hobart to Launceston.
What Was His Political Journey Like?
William Giblin's political career began in 1869. He was elected to represent Hobart Town in the Tasmanian House of Assembly. This was the main law-making body in Tasmania.
Becoming Attorney-General and Premier
In February 1870, he became the attorney-general in the government led by James Milne Wilson. An attorney-general is the chief legal advisor to the government. When Wilson's government ended in 1872, William Giblin continued to play a key role.
In August 1873, he helped form a new government with Alfred Kennerley as premier. William Giblin again served as attorney-general. During this time, he helped create important new laws.
After a short break from politics, he was elected again for the area of Wellington. He joined the government of Sir Philip Fysh as attorney-general. A few days later, he became the treasurer, managing the colony's money.
When Sir Philip Fysh traveled to London in March 1878, William Giblin took over as premier. He led the government until December 1878.
Leading a Coalition Government
After a different government led by William Crowther faced difficulties, William Giblin realized a new approach was needed. He decided to form a "coalition ministry." This meant bringing together different political groups to work together.
On October 30, 1879, he successfully formed this new government. He became premier and colonial treasurer again. His government lasted for almost five years. During this time, they improved Tasmania's finances. They also built new railways and roads, which helped the colony grow. Even with some challenges from conservative politicians, his government achieved a lot.
In December 1881, he swapped roles with John S. Dodds. William Giblin became attorney-general again, and Dodds became treasurer. William Giblin also represented Tasmania at important meetings. These included a conference about trade in Sydney in 1881 and a meeting about the idea of Australia becoming one nation in Sydney in 1883. He played a big part in these discussions.
His Later Life and Legacy
In August 1884, William Giblin had to step down from his role due to poor health. However, he continued to serve Tasmania. On February 7, 1885, he became a puisne judge of the Supreme Court of Tasmania. This meant he was a judge who was not the chief judge. He even served as the acting head of the government for a short time in late 1886.
William Giblin passed away in Hobart on January 17, 1887, at the age of 46. He died from heart disease. He was survived by his wife, Emily Jean Perkins, and their seven children. One of his sons, Lyndhurst Giblin, became a well-known statistician.
A special place in Tasmania is named after William Giblin. A prominent bluff (a steep cliff or hill) south of Legges Tor on the Ben Lomond plateau is called Giblin's Bluff. This was named because his son, Lyndhurst, was part of a survey team that explored the area in 1907.
Many other members of the Giblin family were also important in Tasmanian society. For example, the banker and cricketer Vincent Wanostrocht Giblin was his nephew.
