B. T. Finniss
A stubborn colonial administrator who became South Australia's first premier, his political career was ultimately defined by a disastrous expedition to the Northern Territory.
1807–1893 (age 86)·Australian politician·Birthday: August 18
Biography
Boyle Travers Finniss was a man of the British Empire, a former army officer who channeled his administrative zeal into the fledgling colony of South Australia. As a close protégé of the colony's founder, Colonel William Light, he held a succession of key government posts, helping to shape its early land and survey systems. His elevation to the first premiership in 1856 was a logical step, though his term was brief and fractious. Finniss's legacy, however, is forever tied to his later role as Leader of the 1864 Northern Territory Expedition. Tasked with establishing a settlement at Escape Cliffs, his autocratic style, poor site selection, and clashes with his own men led to a catastrophic failure, a humiliating recall, and a public inquiry that ended his public service career.
#1 When B. Was Born
The biggest hits of 1807
B.'s Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1807Born
1812Started school
1820Became a teenager
1823Could drive
1825Could vote
1828Turned 21
1837Turned 30
1847Turned 40
1857Turned 50
1867Turned 60
President: Andrew Johnson
1877Turned 70
President: Rutherford B. Hayes
1887Turned 80
President: Grover Cleveland
1893Died at 86
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Key Achievements
- Served as the first Premier of South Australia following the institution of responsible government in 1856.
- Held the position of Colonial Treasurer and was instrumental in developing South Australia's early financial structures.
- Acted as the colony's Advocate-General and was a key figure in its administrative foundation.
- Led the ill-fated 1864 expedition to establish a settlement in the Northern Territory for South Australia.
Did You Know?
He served as a British Army officer in the Royal Artillery before emigrating to South Australia.
Finniss is the only person to have served as both Premier and Deputy Premier of South Australia before the title 'Deputy Premier' was formally used.
The Northern Territory expedition he led was plagued by mutiny, mosquito-borne disease, and conflicts with the local Aboriginal people.
A suburb of Adelaide, Finniss, is named after him.
“The colony's laws must be laid down with a surveyor's precision, for they are the foundation of all order.”
