Robert Travers Atkin

Robert Travers Atkin (29 November 1841 – 25 May 1872) was an Irish-born newspaper editor and politician in colonial Queensland, Australia. He was a Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly.

Early life Atkin was born in Fernhill, County Cork, Ireland, the son of William Francis Atkin and his wife Alice Hungerford (née Stewart).

Politician On 1 October 1868, Atkin was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Queensland for the seat of Clermont. He resigned on 29 January 1869, claiming it was the only honourable course of action due to "the treachery, the weakness, and the lust for office" of the leaders of the Queensland Parliament. However, it was suggested that he resigned before his election was voided because his nomination was invalid.

On 17 February 1870, Arthur Francis, member for East Moreton, resigned due to insolvency, and a by-election was called. On nomination day, 19 February 1870, there were two candidates: Atkin and Robert Cribb (who had previously represented the electorate from 1863 to 1867). In his nomination speech, Atkin made accusations against Cribb, who replied vigorously defending himself. The somewhat unexpected outcome of this verbal exchange was that Cribb announced he would withdraw his nomination. Cribb said that if Atkin believed he could represent them so well, the best thing they could do would be to let him try, predicting that Atkin would either resign or be asked to resign within six months. Being the only remaining candidate, Atkin was declared elected.

Cribb's six-month prediction did not come true. However, Atkin did not complete his term, as he resigned on 7 March 1872 due to serious ill health (pulmonary tuberculosis).

Later life Atkin died at Sandgate, Queensland on 25 May 1872, aged only 30. At his request, he was buried in Sandgate on the crest of the rise on which he had enjoyed sitting under the shade of the trees and looking out onto Moreton Bay. He was buried in his full regimental regalia of the Queensland voluntary militia. His will provided £50 to build a church beside his grave. This was the first St Margaret's church (now the rectory). A monument was erected to his memory by the members of the Hibernian Society of Queensland, of which he was vice-president. The inscription on the monument says: The monument was further inscribed: Although the monument had originally been surrounded by pepperina trees, the rector had them cut down so the memorial would be more visible.

Robert Travers Atkin memorial