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George GawlerSecond Governor of South Australia
Date of Birth: 21.07.1795
Country:  Australia |
Content:
George Gawler: The Second Governor of South Australia
Early Life and Military CareerGeorge Gawler was born in Devon, England as the only child of Captain Samuel Gawler and Julia Gawler. His father was killed in the Battle of Mysore in 1804. Gawler received his early education from a tutor, attended Islington School, and later enrolled in the Royal Military College, where he excelled as a bright and disciplined student. He obtained a commission in the army in October 1810 and served in the Spanish-French War from 1812. During the Battle of Badajoz, he was wounded and was saved by a soldier who sacrificed his own life. Gawler continued to serve in Spain until 1814, witnessing the campaign at Madrid. His regiment then returned to England, where he fought at the Battle of Waterloo as a lieutenant. He remained in France until 1818 as part of the army of occupation.
Appointment as Governor
In 1838, Gawler was appointed as the second governor of South Australia, replacing John Hindmarsh, who had been recalled to England. He arrived on October 12, 1838, with his wife, Maria Cox, and their four children after a four-month voyage via Tenerife and Rio de Janeiro.
Administration
Gawler found the colony in a precarious financial state, with poorly paid officials and 4,000 immigrants living in temporary shelters. He was authorized to spend a maximum of £12,000 annually, with an additional £5,000 credit for emergencies. Gawler increased the number of colonial officials, established a police force, engaged in exploration, and improved the infrastructure of Adelaide.
Despite being self-sufficient in food production until a drought struck other Australian colonies in 1840, South Australia experienced a rapid increase in the cost of living. Gawler increased government spending to prevent a collapse, leading to bankruptcy and a change in colonial administration. Over £200,000 had been spent, and the land fund in London was exhausted. The British Parliament approved a credit of £155,000 (a late gift), and Captain George Grey was dispatched to replace Gawler.
Legacy
During his governorship, Gawler succeeded in making South Australia agriculturally self-sufficient and restoring public confidence. The town of Gawler was named in his honor, and he remained a prominent philanthropist. The Derby Museum and Art Gallery included him among their principal benefactors in the 1830s. He donated a collection of minerals and exotic birds, including an albatross, to the museum. With his assistance, his servant, Joseph Whittaker, collected several hundred plant specimens that are now housed at Kew Gardens and the Derby Museum and Art Gallery.
