John Henry Brooke

Exhibition 1854; suggested and managed refreshment rooms at stations of Hobson's Bay Railway Company.

In 1857, as a member of the Assembly, he was prominent in opposition to the Haines Land Bill, which proposed giving annual licences to the squatters.

As the result of a dissolution of the Assembly Mr. Brooke's policy was approved by the country, and formed the subject of express eulogy in the Governor's opening speech to the new Parliament in August 1861.

The occupation licences were approved by the new Assembly and again condemned by the Council, who denounced the introduction of the new departure by a mere departmental regulation as a breach of the principles of responsible government.

His granddaughter Gertrude Georgina Cook, through his daughter Mabel, married diplomat Sir Herbert Phillips.