President Sir John Robertson Biography
Sir John Robertson (1816 – 1891)
[Image Courtesy State Library of NSW]
President Agricultural Society of New South Wales 1884 - 1891
John Robertson was born near London, the son of watchmaker James Robertson who came to the colony in 1822 to take up the position of superintendent of government clocks. That same year, in James Robertson’s George Street shop, the fledgling Agricultural Society held its second meeting.
John Robertson relished his carefree colonial childhood and showed an early ability to communicate with people from all walks of life despite a speech defect caused by a cleft palate. He went away to sea as a 17 year old but returned after a few years to farm with his father in the Hunter. His adventurous spirit then led him to explore the north west and the area which is now Bourke.
Stints as a squatter and wheat grower gave him a nuanced appreciation of rural issues and in particular, the need for land reform. A radical liberal, he entered politics, enjoying an eventful career, becoming premier of NSW on five occasions.
As president, John Robertson used his influence to the benefit of the Society and was popular, being re-elected unopposed until ill health prompted his retirement. Continuity of leadership helped steady the Society and reforms in the late 1880s saw a broadening of the Council and the organisation’s activities. When the Department of Agriculture was formed, Robertson was quick to articulate the important role of the Society as the connecting link between it and the many rural associations scattered throughout the country.
During his term Queen Victoria was petitioned to permit the Society to add the prefix Royal to its title. Approval came early in 1891.
All his life Robertson was a passionate advocate for rural interests and, though English born, a nationalist proud to declare himself Australian. It must have been pleasing for him to reflect on the symmetry which saw him president of the Society which had its humble origins in his father’s shop.
A full list of Presidents can be found here.