George Rolfe

Hon. George Rolfe (1808 – 18 December 1871) M.L.C., was a merchant and politician in the Colony of Victoria (a state of Australia since 1901).

George Rolfe
Born	1808 (1808) Tenterden, Kent, United Kingdom
Died	18 December 1871(1871-12-18) (aged 62–63) Balaclava, Victoria, Australia

For other people named George Rolfe, see George Rolfe (disambiguation).

Early life

Rolfe was born in 1808 in Tenterden, Kent,^[1] where his father was a prosperous landholder. George became a merchant in London and, after that business failed, he emigrated to South Australia in 1848, arriving in Adelaide on 24 June 1849. He started a partnership in real estate with P. D. Prankerd, which was dissolved in May 1851.^[2] He moved to Victoria, arriving in May 1854,^[3] and was the founder of one of the leading mercantile firms in Melbourne, Victoria, of that time.

Political career

Rolfe was elected a member of the Legislative Council for North Western Province,^[3][4] from May 1860 to October 1862, and a member for South Western Province January 1867 to March 1867.^[5]

On 2 September 1869, Rolfe was appointed Commissioner of Customs in the second McCulloch Government, despite the fact that he was not then a member of either House of Parliament. Robert Byrne moved a motion in the Assembly a few days later, censuring the Premier for having gone outside the House for a colleague. The motion was carried and the Ministry resigned on 20 September. Byrne then became Treasurer in the MacPherson Government, but, on going back to his constituents at Crowlands for re-election following his appointment, was defeated by Rolfe on 5 October 1869.

Legacy

Rolfe was a director of the National Bank of Australia, and was a significant contributor to the foundation of the Alfred Hospital.^[1] He was married three times, and had four children from his first marriage. He lived in Balaclava, Victoria and died there on 18 December 1871.^[3]