Sir George Wigram Allen KCMG (16 May 1824 – 23 July 1885)[1] was an Australian politician and philanthropist. He was Speaker in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly 1875–1883.
Allen was born in Surry Hills, New South Wales, the eldest son of George Allen (attorney and solicitor) and his wife Jane, née Bowden.[1] Allen was educated under William Cape and at Sydney College, where he showed ability in classics and mathematics. In 1841 was articled to his father and became a solicitor in 1846. The following year Allen entered a partnership with his father as a solicitor. In 1859 Allen became the first mayor of Glebe, New South Wales, a position he held until 1877.[1]
Allen was appointed a commissioner of national education in 1853 and held the position until 1867. He was nominated to the New South Wales Legislative Council in 1860 and remained there until May 1861.[1] In 1869 Allen was elected a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly for Glebe, and from December 1873 to February 1875 was minister for justice and public instruction in the first Henry Parkes ministry. In the following March he was elected speaker and remained in that position until January 1883.
Allen was a director of many public companies including the Bank of New South Wales.[1] Allen retired from politics in August 1883 and died suddenly on 23 July 1885. Allen had married Marian, eldest daughter of the Rev. William Boyce, who survived him with four daughters and six sons.[1] He was knighted in 1877 and created K.C.M.G. in 1883.
Allen was held in high esteem. As speaker he showed dignity, courtesy and ability; it was said of him: 'A man of calm judgment and much practical wisdom'.[1]
| Parliament of New South Wales | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Thomas Smart |
Member for Glebe 1864 – 1883 |
Succeeded by Michael Chapman |
| Preceded by William Arnold |
Speaker of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly 1875 – 1882 |
Succeeded by Edmund Barton |