Sir Alfred Stephen. Cabinet card portrait, signed.
1887. A cabinet card albumen photograph of the New South Wales statesman and jurist, signed in ink and dated 1887.
Sir Stephen(1802-1894) is noted for his discovery of an important error in land titles in the colony. He questioned the validity of all N.S.W. titles on the grounds that grants had been made in the name of the governor rather than the British monarch. He spent 3 years researching & produced lengthy reports which exposed extensive land jobbery, speculation and deliberate violations of the conditions of grants. As a result, a new land board was established to issue new titles based on a proper description and inquiry.
Stephen served as Chief Justice of New South Wales from 1845 to 1873. He first settled in Tasmania, where he was made Solicitor General, Crown Solicitor, and later Attorney General (1833 to 1837). He served as President of the Legislative Council where he advised on legislation pertaining to land titles. Stephen resigned as Chief Justice N.S.W. in 1873, and was appointed Lieutenant Governor in 1875.
Cabinet photograph by Duryea Studio, 158 A Rundle Street, Adelaide (which Stephen has crossed though in ink), and signed in 1887. Photograph 4 1/4 x 6 1/2" laid down on 5 x 9 3/4" heavy paper with period "Who’s Who" biographical clipping laid down below the photograph.
Very good, slight chip at lower left corner of the card the image is laid down on, not affecting signature or image. Very good condition. Item #25581
Price: $225.00