Robert Leonard BARRETT (1874-1950)

ROBERT LEONARD BARRETT, J.P., "The Big Store," Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, was born at Goolwa, South Australia, in 1874, being the third son of the late Mr. Elijah Barrett, of that place, who died in 1886, at the age of sixty-four. He was educated locally, and at the close of his schooldays became engaged in the storekeeping business in the employ of Messrs. T. and E. Goode, of Goolwa, gaining an excellent insight into the trade during the seven years that he remained in this connection. After attaining his majority, he was entrusted with the opening up of a branch business for the firm at Broken Hill, where he continued for two years. Deciding to begin business on his own account he joined in partnership Mr. H. Crystal, of Goolwa, and carried on successfully for twelve months,, when he had the misfortune to be burnt out, and relinquished operations. Mr. Barrett, after filling for eight months a position with Mr. J. M. Annells, general commission agent, Broken Hill, returned to the trade, this time in the employ of Mr. Rosenove, at Broken Hill. He subsequently accepted the appointment of manager of a business at White Cliffs opalfields, on behalf of the same gentleman, which he resigned after eighteen months, in order to undertake opal-buying, which he continued on his own account for about four years. The trade was beset with many difficulties and hardships, by reason of the locality, water costing 10s. per gallon, and £2 being paid for a bag of flour of 200-lb. weight. Freight, also, was very dear, as much as £20 per ton sometimes being charged for carriage from Broken Hill to White Cliffs.

In July, 1905, attracted by reports of Kangaroo Island, Mr. Barrett proceeded to Kingscote, where he saw a good opening for a general store. He first established himself in a very small store of 16 ft. by 12 ft.; but by devoted attention to the work in hand soon made his business so important a factor of the commercial life of the place, that, after eighteen months, enlarged premises became necessary. The present fine store in Dauncey Street was erected during the latter half of 1907, and the business has extended throughout the island.

Mr. Barrett was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1907. He is a member of the School Board of Advice, President of the Kingscote Trades and Progress Association, Secretary to the Kingscote Rifle Club, and President of the Literary and Debating Society. In 1903 he married Rosanna, only daughter of Mr. John Woods, of Broken Hill.

- Cyclopedia of South Australia, 1909, pp. 1013-1014