Alexander Melrose

Alexander John Melrose
Born	(1889-03-18) 18 March 1889 Kooringa, South Australia
Died	6 September 1962(1962-09-06) (aged 73)
Occupation(s)	Politician, pastoralist
Known for	Member of South Australian House of Assembly and Legislative Council; president of the Liberal and Country League

Alexander John Melrose (born 18 March 1889, died 6 September 1962) was a notable political figure in South Australia.

History

Born in Kooringa, Melrose was the sole male offspring of Sir John Melrose (1860–1938), a well-known philanthropist from Ulooloo, and Emily Eliza Melrose (née Edhouse, 1862–1923). His grandfather, George Melrose (1806–1894), was among the early Scottish settlers in South Australia. The aviator Jimmy Melrose was related to him as a cousin.

Melrose received his education at St. Peter's College. Following his father's loss of eyesight around 1901, he took over management of the family’s pastoral operations. Stationed at Kadlunga near Mintaro, he specialized in breeding Merino sheep, Jersey cattle, and Percheron horses. He also maintained business interests in Oakbank Station within South Australia and Williambury located in Western Australia's Gascoyne River region.

His civic contributions included long-term service on the District Council of Stanley, where he held the position of chairman for twelve years until its amalgamation with the District Council of Clare, after which he continued as a council member. Melrose played an instrumental role in founding the Clare and District Hospital and remained on its board following its official incorporation in 1925, serving as chairman at times. Professionally, he acted as a director of the Mintaro Slate and Flagstone Company. His involvement extended to sports administration as well: he was a council member for six years with the S.A. Polo Association, led the Clare Polo Club as captain, and was among the original founders of the Watervale Golf Club.

In politics, Melrose held the presidency of the Liberal and Country League and represented the Liberal Party in the South Australian House of Assembly for the Burra Burra electorate from 1933 to 1938 and subsequently for Stanley from 1938 to 1941. Following this, he served in the Legislative Council representing Midland District from 1941 until his death in 1962.

Family

In 1913, Melrose wed Jane Florence "Jennie" Lewis (1884–1970), daughter of John Lewis. Their offspring included:

• Evonne Ashley Melrose (1915–1996), who married James Elder "Jim" Gosse; together they had four children.
• Eleanor Emily Brook "Poss" Melrose (1917–2004), who became wife to Richard Stanley Carstairs "Dick" Rymill; they had two children. After divorcing in 1963, she remarried Peter Edwin Siekmann in 1966.
• John Lewis Melrose (1924–1987), an alumnus of St. Peter's College, remained unmarried and dedicated his life to managing Kadlunga station.

See also

• George Melrose#Family for further information about the Melrose lineage

External links

• National Trust - Kadlunga homestead