Mountifort Conner
Mountifort Longfield Conner | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Ballineen, County Cork, Ireland |
| Died | c. 12 November 1880 |
| Occupation(s) | Auctioneer, commission agent, politician, sporting journalist |
| Years active | 19th century |
| Known for | Political figure in South Australia; sporting journalism in Victoria and New South Wales; namesake of Mount Conner |
Mountifort Longfield Conner (18 September 1824 – circa 12 November 1880), sometimes referred to as M. Longfield Conner, was a prominent auctioneer, commission agent, and political figure within the British colony of South Australia. Additionally, he gained recognition as a sporting gentleman in South Australia and worked as a sporting journalist in both Victoria and New South Wales.
History
Born as the youngest child of Daniel Conner (1798–1880) and Elizabeth Longfield from Ballineen, County Cork, Ireland, Conner attracted public notice when he offered a directorship on the South Eastern Railway Company to John Riddoch MHA, an offer that was ultimately declined.
He was influential in the administration and judging of various equestrian disciplines such as hunting, steeplechasing, and flat racing. Conner established Australia's longest-standing coursing club in Naracoorte, where he resided until approximately 1871.
In the political arena, he unsuccessfully contested the South Australian House of Assembly seat for Victoria in 1870. He then secured election for the Light seat from December 1871 until September 1873, resigning to accept the role of Warden overseeing the Northern Territory goldfields—a position he held with miners' endorsement before stepping down after about a year. Subsequently, he served as the representative for Albert from February to June 1875 but resigned due to ill health attributed to an "ague," likely malaria contracted during his time in the Territory.
Following his political career, Conner moved to Melbourne where he contributed a sporting column under the pen name "The Baron" for The Leader. Later, he relocated to Sydney to write for the Daily Telegraph.
Conner passed away at Sydney Infirmary around 12 November 1880.
Recognition
Mount Conner in the Northern Territory was named in his honor by explorer William Gosse during his 1873 expedition.