James Squire Farnell: (18.12.1877 - 20.12.1878)

Abstract

On 25 August 1888, a brief obituary of James Squire Farnell appeared in the weekly newspaper, 'The Australasian'."SYDNEY, TUESDAY. Mr James Squire Farnell, MLA, died early thismorning. Mr Farnell was born in 1827 [sic], and educated at Parramatta, his native town [sic]. He first entered public life in 1859, when he was elected to represent St Leonards in the Assembly, and after being defeated there [sic] in 1860 he sat for Parramatta. He subsequently became Chairman of Committees, in which capacity he displayed great judgment, and obtained the goodwill of the House. He held office in several Ministries as Minister for Lands."A striking omission from this inaccurate summary of Farnell's career was any reference to his achievement of the office of Premier for a year between December 1877 and December 1878. In an age dominated by the great rivalry - and then partnership - of Henry Parkes and John Robertson, Farnell is a forgotten Premier. To the extent that he was remembered at all after his death, it was as a successful and reforming Lands Minister - and particularly as the architect of the Crown Lands Act of 1884 - and not for his short and undistinguished career as Premier of New South Wales.