George Rolfe

Background

Rolfe was born in Tenterden, Kent in 1808 where his father was a prosperous landholder.

Career

Honorary He became a merchant in London, and after that business failed, he emigrated to South Australia in 1848, and arrived in Adelaide on 24 June 1849 and started a partnership in land real estate. He moved to Victoria, arriving in May 1854. A motion was a few days later made in the Assembly by Mr.

Byrne censuring the Premier for having gone outside the House for a colleague.

lieutenant was carried, and the Ministry resigned on 20 September. Mr. Byrne then became Treasurer in the MacPherson Government, but on going back to his constituents at Crowlands for re-election was defeated by Mr.

Rolfe on 5 October 1869. Rolfe included in his roles in Melbourne a directorship of the National Bank of Australia and a significant contributor to the foundation of the Alfred Hospital.

He lived in Balaclava, Victoria and died there on 18 December 1871.

Achievements

• Rolfe was the founder of one of the leading mercantile firms in Melbourne, Victoria of that time.

Membership

On 2 September 1869, Rolfe was appointed Commissioner of Customs in the second McCulloch Government, although not then a member of either House of Parliament. Rolfe was a member of the Upper House for North Western Province from May 1860 to October 1862 and for South Western Province January 1867 to March 1867.