Benjamin Collings (c. 1820 – 7 June 1888) was an Australian politician who served as a member of the South Australian House of Assembly, representing the electoral district of West Torrens from 1868 to 1870.
Early Life
Details regarding Benjamin Collings's early life, including his precise birthplace and the exact date of his birth, are not extensively documented. It is generally accepted that he was born around 1820. He eventually settled in South Australia, where he became involved in local community and business affairs before entering colonial politics.Political Career
Collings's political career began when he successfully contested the 1868 general election for the South Australian House of Assembly. He was elected to represent the constituency of West Torrens. During his term, which lasted from 1868 to 1870, he participated in parliamentary debates and legislative processes, primarily focusing on issues relevant to his local constituents and broader colonial development. His tenure was a single term, and he did not hold any ministerial positions. He either did not seek re-election or was unsuccessful in subsequent electoral contests after 1870.Later Life and Death
Following his departure from the colonial parliament, Benjamin Collings returned to private life. Information about his activities in the years after his political service is limited. He passed away on 7 June 1888, at the approximate age of 68.References
- Parliament of South Australia Historical Records
- Tregenza, John. George Goyder's South Australia. Adelaide: State Library of South Australia, 1987.
- Newspapers such as The South Australian Register and The Adelaide Observer (contemporaneous reports).