Charles Joseph LaTrobe
As 4th December, 1975, is the centenary of the death of Victoria's first Lieutenant-Governor, Charles Joseph LaTrobe, the Government of Victoria has formed a committee to organise various functions to commemorate this event. It is planned to open the week of events on Thursday, 4th December, with a memorial service at St. Peter's, Eastern Hill, Church, where LaTrobe was a foundation member. His Excellency, the Governor of Victoria will speak briefly at this service and will afterwards unveil a plaque to La Trobe at Parliament House. During the week a number of exhibitions, receptions, and an oration in the Great Hall of the National Gallery will be held, as well as various events such as the planting of a tree in the Royal Botanical Gardens as a tribute to LaTrobe's involvement there. |
| Charles Josephe LaTrobe (Wikipedia) |
LaTrobe was born on 20th March, 1801, in London. He was educated in Europe and grew up in an artistic and intellectual atmosphere. He started his adult life as a school teacher in England and then as a tutor in Switzerland where he met his wife Sophie de Montmollin. LaTrobe became interested in geology, botany and mountaineering and wrote several books. His skilled observation and ability to sum up a situation won him the attention of the Colonial Office. After successfully executing a commission in the West Indies, he was appointed as Superintendent of the Port Phillip District in January, 1839.
LaTrobe came to Melbourne during the most turbulent and difficult times of the growing district. On his retirement it was said that, "Mr. LaTrobe's acts - whatever may be said against him - generally proved beneficial, and his administration of public affairs has been marked throughout by the increasing prosperity of the Colony."
The skill with which LaTrobe handled his responsibilities was generally not recognised at the time. His high-pitched voice and gentile manner did not appeal so the men of rough-and-ready Colony. His manner was misinterpreted as being weakness, and when the many demands for reforms were not dealt with immediately, irrespective of their value, he was called vacillating.
In 1846 LaTrobe was appointed Acting Administrator of Van Diemen's Land.
There was a shortage of well-educated men in the colony so LaTrobe sent for George Hislop (b.1812) Source: Lynton Clay 2023) who had lived at Jolimont since 1840. George, with his wifeElisabeth (corrected to Eliza. Source: Lynton Clay 2023) Eliza (nee Lambert) and two children, George and Annie, travelled to Hobart. There the two younger children, William and Louise were born. In 1853, George (b.1812) and Elizabeth Eliza Hislop bought land in Doncaster on the site of the Bus Depot in Doncaster Road.
LaTrobe came to Melbourne during the most turbulent and difficult times of the growing district. On his retirement it was said that, "Mr. LaTrobe's acts - whatever may be said against him - generally proved beneficial, and his administration of public affairs has been marked throughout by the increasing prosperity of the Colony."
The skill with which LaTrobe handled his responsibilities was generally not recognised at the time. His high-pitched voice and gentile manner did not appeal so the men of rough-and-ready Colony. His manner was misinterpreted as being weakness, and when the many demands for reforms were not dealt with immediately, irrespective of their value, he was called vacillating.
In 1846 LaTrobe was appointed Acting Administrator of Van Diemen's Land.
There was a shortage of well-educated men in the colony so LaTrobe sent for George Hislop (b.1812) Source: Lynton Clay 2023) who had lived at Jolimont since 1840. George, with his wife
Charles LaTrobe left Melbourne on 6th May, 1854. Many of his accomplishments are still an important part of Melbourne. He reserved the land for the Fitzroy and Carlton Gardens and established the Botanical Gardens. He was closely associated with the plans for the Yan Yean water supply, the Royal Melbourne hospital and the Public Library. LaTrobe died on 4th December 1875, and was buried near Easbourne in Sussex.
Gottlieb Thiele, the German pioneer who built "Friedensruh" had been LaTrobe's tailor before he came to Doncaster.
Source: 1975 11 DTHS Newsletter
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