Obituaries Australia

Daniel Roberts, n.d.

State Library of Queensland, 124981

By the death of the Hon. Daniel Foley Roberts, M.L.C., which occurred yesterday week at Ascog, Toowong, one of the oldest residents of Brisbane has been removed. The deceased gentleman was born in New South Wales, where he was educated. He served articles with the late Hon. George Kenyon Holden, M.L.C, and was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 1849. He arrived in Brisbane thirty-eight years ago, and began practice. After Separation, and upon the establishment of the Legislature in 1860, Mr. Roberts became a candidate for the electorate of Fortitude Valley, opposing Sir Charles (at that time Mr.) Lilley. The contest was a very close one, for even at the nomination, when both candidates had been proposed and a show of hands called for, the vote was declared to be equal. A fresh show of hands was asked for; but this time the returning-officer (Mr. W. Pickering) declared Mr. Roberts to be the successful candidate, whereupon Mr. Lilley demanded a poll. The election took place on the 1st May, 1860, and resulted in the defeat of Mr. Roberts by three votes. A few days later Mr. Roberts was called to the Legislative Council, and on the motion of Colonel (afterwards Sir Maurice) O'Connell, he was appointed first Chairman of Committees. This office he held up to the time of his death. On several occasions he has been acting-president, occupying that position during the late session. Ever since his arrival in Brisbane he has practised his profession, and among those who have acted in partnership with him may be mentioned Mr. Robert Little, Mr. G. L. Hart, Mr. L. F. Bernays, and Messrs. Alfred and Pring Roberts (his two sons). The deceased gentleman, who was highly respected by a wide circle of friends, was 65 years of age.