The Dictionary of Australasian Biography/Packer, Frederick Augustus
Packer, Frederick Augustus, entered the Civil Service of Tasmania in the Telegraph department in Jan. 1859, and has held the following appointments: landing waiter, Customs, Launceston, 1862; sessional clerk, House of Assembly, 1862; clerk in Ordnance department, 1863; sessional clerk, Legislative Council, 1864; clerk R.E. department, 1865; chief clerk, Telegraph department, 1866; Superintendent of Telegraphs, 1873, and clerk assistant, House of Assembly, 1878. In 1882 he was appointed Clerk of the House, and librarian to Parliament. Mr. Packer is also a well-known musician, many of his works, both secular and sacred, having obtained public recognition. Amongst them are a cantata on Longfellow's "Wreck of the Hesperus," probably the most successful work performed at the Melbourne Intercolonial Festival, a comedy-opera entitled Sweet Simplicity, many popular songs, and a number of anthems and other sacred compositions.