Robert Travers Atkin

Robert Travers Atkin
Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly for Clermont
In office 1 October 1868 – 29 January 1869
Preceded by	John Scott
Succeeded by	Oscar John De Satge
Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly for Member for East Moreton
In office 17 February 1870 – 7 March 1872 Serving with Henry Jordan
Preceded by	Arthur Francis
Succeeded by	Samuel Griffith
Personal details
Born	(1841-11-29)29 November 1841 Fernill, Clonakilty, County Cork, Ireland
Died	25 May 1872(1872-05-25) (aged 30) Sandgate, Queensland
Nationality	Irish
Spouse(s)	Mary Elizabeth Ruck
Relations	Baron Atkin (son)
Occupation	Journalist, Newspaper editor, Newspaper proprietor
Religion	Church of England

Robert Travers Atkin (29 November 1841 – 25 May 1872) was an Irish-born newspaper editor and politician in colonial Queensland, Australia.^[1] He was a Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly.

Early life

Atkin was born in Fernhill, County Cork, Ireland.^[1] In 1863, he emigrated to Queensland, spending around a year and a half in central Queensland. He had a fall from a horse and injured his chest, the effects of which were long-lasting.

Newspaper editor

Atkin became editor of the Brisbane Guardian but resigned over policy disagreements. In partnership with W. C. Belbridge, Atkin started the Queensland Express in August 1868, but the paper lasted less than three years.^[2]

Politician

On 1 October 1868, Atkin was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Queensland for the seat of Clermont. He resigned on 29 January 1869, claiming it was the only honourable course of action due to "the treachery, the weakness, and the lust for office" of the leaders of the Queensland Parliament. However, it was suggested that he resigned before his election was voided because his nomination was invalid.^[3][4]

On 17 February 1870, Arthur Francis, member for East Moreton, resigned due to insolvency, and a by-election was called. On nomination day, 19 February 1870, there were two candidates: Atkin and Robert Cribb (who had previously represented the electorate from 1863 to 1867). In his nomination speech, Atkin made accusations against Cribb, who replied vigorously defending himself. The somewhat unexpected outcome of this verbal exchange was that Cribb announced he would withdraw his nomination. Cribb said that if Atkin believed he could represent them so well, the best thing they could do would be to let him try, predicting that Atkin would either resign or be asked to resign within six months. Being the only remaining candidate, Atkin was declared elected.^{[3] [5]}

Cribb's six-month prediction did not come true. However, Atkin did not complete his term, as he resigned on 7 March 1872 due to serious ill health (pulmonary tuberculosis).^[6]

Later life

Atkin died at Sandgate, Queensland on 25 May 1872, aged only 30. He was also buried at Sandgate, where a monument was erected to his memory by the members of the Hibernian Society of Queensland, of which he was vice-president.^[1] The inscription on the monument says:^[7]

This broken column symbolises the irreparable loss of a man who well represented some of the finest characteristics of the Celtic race — its rich humour and subtle wit, its fervid passion and genial warmth of heart. Distinguished alike in the press and parliament of Queensland by large and elevated views, remarkable powers of organization and unswerving advocacy of the popular cause. His rare abilities were especially devoted to the promotion of a patriotic union amongst his countrymen irrespective of class or creed combined with a loyal allegiance to the land of their adoption.

Robert Travers Atkin memorial

• 
  Robert Travers Atkin memorial, St Margaret's Anglican Church, Sandgate, 2005
• 
  Detail of the memorial (side 1)
• 
  Detail of the memorial (side 2)

References