Andrew Galbraith Johnston
| Company type | Public company (since 1888) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Brewing, Malting, Beverage production |
| Founded | 1888 |
| Headquarters | Lower North Adelaide , Australia |
| Products | Beer, malt, aerated beverages, cordials |
The Lion Brewing and Malting Company, located on Jerningham Street in Lower North Adelaide, was one of the many breweries founded during Australia's nineteenth century.
History
The company derived its name from the Lion Hotel, which was constructed around 1881–3 at the intersection of Melbourne Street and Jerningham Street.[1]
In 1888, the business was publicly listed to merge the brewing operations, hotel interests, and real estate holdings of Beaglehole and Johnston, offering 75,000 shares valued at £1 each.[2] The firm possessed a variety of hotels throughout South Australia, such as the Cross Keys Hotel at Dry Creek[3]—where about 20 acres nearby were subdivided in 1912—[4] the Flagstaff Hotel in Darlington,[5] the Oriental Hotel on Osmond Terrace in Norwood, and the Bath Hotel located at 91 King William Street in Adelaide. Subsequently, it became a stakeholder in the prominent hotel proprietor Knapman and Sons, eventually acquiring full ownership in 1973.[6]
Over time, Lion Brewing and Malting shifted its primary focus toward barley malting alongside the manufacture of aerated beverages and cordials.
Johnston brothers
Andrew Galbraith Johnston (1827 – 18 December 1886), James Johnston (1818 – 12 April 1891), together with three other siblings from Campbeltown, Scotland, arrived in South Australia in early 1839. Their father was responsible for establishing one of the colony’s earliest malthouses and founding Oakbank.[7][8] Andrew initially trained as a draper before joining James in expanding their father’s brewing enterprise into a thriving business.[9]
Robert Cock, an early colonist who traveled with Governor Hindmarsh on , is acknowledged as a founder of the malting trade and owned extensive farmland nearby.[10][8]
James Johnston emerged as a significant entrepreneur with wide-ranging hotel properties throughout the area. He was deeply involved in regional politics and supported civic organizations including the Woodside and Mount Barker Institutes. He co-established the Mount Barker Agricultural Society and played a key role in promoting the Onkaparinga Racing Club (presently known as the Oakbank Racing Club) along with its Great Eastern Steeplechase event inaugurated in 1876. As an enthusiast of acclimatisation efforts, he introduced Californian quail to the region and stocked local waterways with perch.[7] He was married to Margaret "Minnie" Disher (deceased 1900), sister to Eliza, Lady Milne; their family had arrived aboard Palmyra in October 1839.
Among James's children, John Disher Johnston (1850–1916) became a partner in the brewery.[7] Another son, James Steele Johnston (1870 – circa 1892), was involved with Broken Hill’s Simpson, Johnston and Co brewing company.[11]
F. A. Chapman
Frederick Arthur Chapman (10 March 1864 – 18 September 1925), the son of notable hotel broker Arthur Chapman, received his education at Grote Street State School, J. L. Young's Adelaide Educational Institution, and Prince Alfred College. His professional journey commenced as an apprentice at Lion Brewery under the guidance of Mr. G. Gray, where he remained for his entire career. At the age of 18, he took on the role of a travelling representative, acquiring broad expertise in both hotel management and brewery operations. By 25, he advanced to company secretary during the firm's transition from brewing towards malt production, aerated drinks, and cordials. His duties included frequent trips to Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth to promote malt sales among major breweries.
In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Chapman acted as secretary for the South Australian Associated Brewers and the Brewers' Association, representing industry interests in conferences and Arbitration Court hearings. He held a directorship at the Cooperative Bottle Company and led the finance committee within the Chamber of Manufacturers.
Chapman's involvement extended beyond business; he served six years on the financial board of the Church of England Synod and participated actively as a synodsman and lay reader. He was also a distinguished Freemason and maintained membership in the Commercial Travellers' Association for over three decades.
Chapman passed away from a heart attack while aboard the Melbourne Express traveling to Victoria. He left behind his wife Marian (née Kingsborough), two sons—Dr. A. Chapman (superintendent at Adelaide Dental Hospital) and S. Chapman (secretary of Lion Brewing Company)—and daughter Elma Chapman.
S. I. Chapman
Stanley Irwin Chapman (1892 – 29 September 1940), son of Frederick Arthur Chapman, was educated at St. Peter's College before working with Burns, Philp and Company Ltd. in New Guinea. During the First World War, he served in both naval and army forces as a staff sergeant. Following his military service, he joined Lion Brewing and ultimately took over managerial duties from his father.
Further reading
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedinfosheet - ↑ Lion Brewery and Malting Company South Australian Register 14 April 1888 p.6
- ↑ Cross Keys Hotel The Mail 14 June 1913
- ↑ Crosskeys subdivisional sale The Mail 28 September 1912
- ↑ Hotels objected to The Advertiser 11 March 1914
- ↑ "Brewing bid valued at $3.9m". The Canberra Times. 1 August 1973. p. 23.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedjames - ↑ 8.0 8.1 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedcentenary - ↑ untitled article South Australian Advertiser 23 December 1886
- ↑ Concerning People The Register 19 November 1901
- ↑ Death of Mr J. S. Johnston Barrier Miner (Broken Hill) 24 May 1892