Robert Burns Cuming

Robert Burns Cuming (1859–1910) was an Australian industrialist who founded the Adelaide Chemical Works in 1882 and helped establish South Australia’s superphosphate industry. He served as a councillor and mayor of Thebarton (1893–94; 1901–03).

Early life Born in Melbourne in 1859, Cuming was the eldest son of Scottish-born industrialist James Cuming (1835–1911). He entered the family’s chemicals and fertilisers enterprise in Victoria before being tasked to establish a South Australian branch.

Public life Cuming served on Thebarton council in 1885–87, 1890–94 and 1899–1900 and was elected mayor in 1893–94 and again in 1901–03. Contemporary reports record his 1901 mayoral election and 1902 re-election; council and local histories confirm his 1893–94 term.

He was active in the Adelaide Chamber of Manufactures, serving as president in 1906–07.