Digby Frank DENHAM

DENHAM, DIGBY FRANK (b. Langport, Somerset, England, 25 Jan 1859; d. Brisbane, Qld, 10 May 1944). Businessman, politician, premier.

Following an education at Langport Grammar School, Denham entered the drapery trade. He migrated to SA in 188I and subsequently went to Sydney and then Brisbane in 1886. By 1890 he had established Denham Bros grain and produce merchants, opening branches in other towns, and became involved with several other business ventures.

He entered local politics in 1893, and in 1902 was elected as MLA for Oxley. He served during a time of unstable, short-lived governments and held several cabinet positions becoming premier and chief secretary in 1911.

Denham's premiership was a time of political change and turbulence, with various disputes such as the momentous tramway and general strike of 1912 which was put down violently because of fear of revolution. Denham called for an election and won, but troubles within his Liberal party led to his defeat in 1915. During his term in office he reformed Queensland's land acts and supported the establishment of the Queensland University and a state ambulance service.

He returned to his business activities and directorships with several large firms, including the AMP and Queensland Trustees. Originally Anglican, Denham joined the Ann St (Brisbane) Church of Christ. He served as lay preacher and was President of the Queensland Churches of Christ Conference in 1891. In Nov 1905 the Denham family became members of the Baptist City Tabernacle. An elected deacon from 1917 to 1931, he then was made a life deacon in recognition of his contribution to the spiritual life of the church.

He married Alice Knight in April 1884. They had two daughters, Winnifred and Elsie, and one son, Harold, who was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship in 1911.

JOHN SILVER