The Dictionary of Australasian Biography/King, Hon. John Charles
King, Hon. John Charles, was Town Clerk of Melbourne from the establishment of the municipality in 1842 till 1861, when he was sent to England as the agent of the Victorian branch of the Anti-Transportation Association. He sailed on April 3rd, and rendered good service in thwarting Earl Grey's policy as regarded the despatch of convicts to Tasmania and Moreton Bay in 1862. On his return to Melbourne he entered the Legislative Assembly, and joined the Nicholson Ministry in Oct. 1859 as Vice-President of the Board of Land and Works and Commissioner of Public Works. He only, however, held office till Nov. 25th, when he died.