John DARLING

DARLING, JOHN (JUNIOR) (b. Edinburgh Scotland, 24 Jan 1852; d. Melbourne, Vic, 27 Mar 1914). Baptist businessman and SA politician.

Darling entered his father's Adelaide grain business at the age of 14 and by the time he was 20 he was a full partner with his father in John Darling and Son. He played a crucial role in the expansion of the firm and became its sole head in 1897. Like his father Darling became known as the 'Wheat King' of Australia. A large and early investor in Broken Hill Pty Ltd, he became a director in 1892 and was chairman of Directors 1907 to 1914. Darling was a member of the Flinders St Baptist Church, Adelaide for most of his life and although he was very regular in his attendance he refused to hold church office.

Darling was a vigorous defender of the capitalist system and an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and other employer organisations. He fought long and hard against trade unionism and was despised by many workers. Darling also served in the House of Assembly of the SA parliament 1896-1905. Although he declined to hold government office he was a powerful influence within parliament. His estate, valued at £1, 694, 500 was the largest sum probated by a South Australian to that date.

ADB 4; Australian Baptist (14 April 1914): 2; D L Hilliard, 'The City of Churches' in Brian Dickey (ed), William Shakespeare's Adelaide (Adelaide, 1992); J J Pascoe, History of Adelaide and Vicinity (Adelaide, 1901); R Walker, 'Congregationalism in South Australia 1837-1900', Proc RGSA SA 69 (1967-68): 13-28

JOHN WALKER