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“H. G. MORTON.
“One of the most dominant figures among a number of identities whose influence largely aided the material and social progress of Shoalhaven was Henry Gordon Morton. No man did more to effect the agrarian settlement of the district, and few were so successful in fostering the amenities of life throughout the necessary hard experiences of the pioneer settlers in which there was for the agriculturalist a somewhat toneless view.
“He was one of the most striking local personalities of his time, and whilst he possessed all the qualities of the stern and methodical man of business, he yet had a quick sense of seemly humour that ensured for him universal popularity amongst the young and old, and which, indeed, saved many situations in the transition stages of the district’s progress. It is not always the best actor that plays the part of a king, either on the stage or in real life. This was amply proved by the lengthy sojourn of Henry Gordon Morton in the district that he saw grow from primeval bush, and the greater portion of which he was the first to survey and cut up into farms.
“He was born in 1828 in Edinburgh, was educated in the High School there, and thereafter trained as a surveyor and railway engineer. In both capacities he was engaged in England and Scotland for several years. Arriving at Melbourne in 1852, he soon afterwards came to Sydney with letters of introduction to Sir Stuart Alexander Donaldson, then prime minister [actually a Member of the NSW Legislative Council], by whom he was at once engaged in connection with the General Screw (Steamship) Company. He was with that company a short time when Alexander Berry persuaded him to go to Shoalhaven. Mr. Morton in time became land steward as well as surveyor for the Berry Estate, and continuously occupied the positions until 1890, when he retired. Two years later he visited the old country. Upon both his departure and return he was testimonialised by the Shoalhaven people, amongst and with whom he had worked in various movements for the public good for upwards of forty years. He rendered splendid service in municipal work and in agricultural societies; he was the first mayor of Numba [1869] as well as one of the founders of the Shoalhaven Agricultural and Horticultural Association. For a long period he was chairman of the local Bench of Magistrates, and was one of the earliest members of the Masonic order there. Public libraries and working mens’ clubs had generous support from him. He was a leading worker also for the establishment of Churches, and was an especially good friend to the early ministers.
“A man of fine parts, well read, and of a most genial nature, the district owed him much for his good work in helping the white settlement. In the management of the Berry Estate, Mr. Morton played a no inconspicuous part, and in times of difficulty respecting land occupation his counsel and advice were readily sought. In the demands that arose for farm leases as the district developed, it often happened that the position of the widow was threatened. The kindly offices of the sympathetic and experienced land steward invariably dissipated all fear the widow might have had as to a continuance of her occupancy of the property. When the realisation sales of farms ensued on the death of David Berry, Mr. Morton came to the rescue of quite a number of old settlers who desired to continue in occupation of their farms, but who were not prepared to compete for the lands at the greatly improved prices they were then fetching. He arranged with the trustees that these were to be met in a special way; and in the cases of several whose farms were offered at auction, Mr. Morton stopped the sale and directed that the occupiers’ bids should be accepted. Mr. Morton’s services in this direction were greatly appreciated by the local community of farmers. His command to the auctioneer ‘Knock it down to the tenant, knock it down,’ echoed through the district for a long time when speculators were coming into the place, and is remembered with gratification by men on the the old land to-day who were lads at that time. many people are still living who are yet mindful of the hospitality of Mr. Morton and his excellent wife at Numba House during their long residence there; of the frequent entertainments they gave there to district people, and at times in honour of successive State Governors [Lord Jersey, Lord Hampden, Sir Robert Duff, & Sir Harry Rawson] and other distinguished visitors [Sir Henry Parkes, Sir William Lyne, Sir George Dibbs, Sir George Reid]. Numba House was also the scene of numerous festivities for children, and Mrs. Morton especially did much for their edification at Christmas and Easter and other times of festival. Locally-organised Christmas waits never failed to call at the old home. And no one enjoyed these entertainments more than Mr. Morton, who had a big social side to his character, and so when he died (on August 26, 1895), the young people and the old felt they had sustained a great loss. He left a family of eight - all sons - three of whom were elected to Parliament [M.F. Morton, H.D. Morton, and P.H. Morton]. The other surviving sons are Mr. O.G. Morton, M.I.C.E., of Muswellbrook, and Mr. Fred S. Morton, the well known auctioneer of Nowra.” (The Book of Shoalhaven as it was and as it is: illustrated, Sydney, 1926, Published in Conjunction with the Back to the Shoalhaven Week, pp.52 - 53)
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