Notable South Australians/Samuel Benson
Samuel Benson.
HUNDREDS of visitors to Adelaide, as well as residents here, who have passed through the Government Offices in King William-street, have greatly admired a most delightful miniature garden in the centre, known as "Benson's Quadrangle," but few are aware that a spot ever green in the hottest days in summer has been made thus attractive by one man, viz:—Samuel Benson, with the simplest appliances, and in a manner which is a wonder even to experienced gardeners. He is an intelligent, though self-taught individual, and evidently possesses great taste. He arrived in Western Australia in 1851, with his parents, and was connected with the Government service of that colony. In 1861 he joined the Mounted Police in Victoria, and was regarded as a most useful man in the force. Returned to Western Australia in 1863, and in 1866 was Corporal and Acting Superintendent of Water Police at Camden Harbour. During this period the "Forlorn Hope" voyage party arrived there, and were hospitably entertained by him. Came to South Australia in 1866; was appointed orderly to Governor Daly, and held a similar office to succeeding Governors till December 1879, when he left to take the position of keeper of the Government Offices in Adelaide. During the visit of H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh Mr. Benson was his orderly, and attended him during his stay in the colony. On the Duke's leaving, Mr. Benson received his thanks and those of his suite for the manner in which he had performed his duties.