E. H. Coombe
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ephraim Henry Coombe (August 26, 1858-April 5, 1917) was the member for Barossa[1] in the South Australian House of Assembly from 1901- 1912. He resigned from the Liberal and Democratic Union and joined the United Labor Party. He re-entered Parliament in 1915, again as member for the Barossa. During World War I, Coombe opposed anti-German measures such as the closure of Lutheran schools. He also opposed conscription. Coombe died in 1917.
Coombe is remembered for his defence during World War I of the Barossa Valley German community, members of whom were suspected of disloyalty and persecuted. A memorial was erected in his honour in Tanunda's main street.
In March 1917, Coombe had been prosecuted under the War Precautions Act, fined £10 and "bound over to keep the peace". Despite having three sons who were serving in the forces, he was accused of disloyalty because of his support for his constituents. His premature death at the age of 58 from cerebral haemorrhage in 1917 has been attributed to the stress of "persecution" over the loyalty issues.[2]
In 1887/88, Coombe had played first class cricket for South Australia. However, he only played in one match scoring 10 runs.[3]
[edit] References and notes
- ^ The electorate of the Barossa no longer exists; and would be similar to the current (in 2006) Electoral district of Schubert
- ^ Explanatory plaque beside the Coombe memorial in Tanunda.
- ^ Ephraim Coombe. Australia players and officials. Cricinfo , part of The Wisden Group. Retrieved on May 12, 2006.
