George Lazenby and the 150th Anniversary of the Perth Town Hall

Below is a very short biographical sketch I did for an online exhibition celebrating the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Perth Town Hall. George had a lot to do with it, being at the time the Town Clerk, amongst other duties. He also had a strong connection with Richard Jewell the architect. Both were Methodists and Jewell had designed Wesley Church shortly before. Hopefully George will get some recognition and maybe a short book on his life, if not from me then from one of his myriad descendants. My name is Robert Smith and George Lazenby is my 5x Great Grandfather. He is a man who has been forgotten by the city he helped build but I am glad that today he is being recognised. George was part of the tight knit and civic minded Methodist congregation that included the architect of the Town Hall, Richard Jewell. Jewell had already built the Wesley Church and George was a long standing leader of that group. Being a master builder George had much to contribute, and he also built the wooden benches. George was a busy man who did much to contribute to the growth of Perth physically, intellectually and spiritually. He was involved with repairing Government House, and in 1862 he became Foreman of Works to the Imperial Government. In this capacity he supervised construction of the Barracks and the Colonial Hospital. George took as apprentice Benjamin Mason and employed Joseph Hamblin. He was a lay preacher and strong Temperance man. He raised 8 daughters and 2 sons, and though his sons produced no heirs, his daughters married famous WA families like Hall, Birch, Duffield and King. George was a long time member and Chairman of the Swan River Mechanics Institute. He and his wife established the first school for girls. George was not only Supervisor to the Perth City Council, he was appointed Caretaker of the Perth Town Hall in January 1871. The papers report that he ‘appropriated a portion of the upper floor for office purposes’ (The Herald Sat 28 Jan 1871). During his time George was also Inspector of Public Nuisances, a job that must have been very interesting at times. George served as Town Clerk from 1869-81. A one time there was complaints that he was paid too much, but when his duties were examined an apology was issued. 150 years on from the construction of the Perth Town Hall I am proud to be an ancestor of this industrious man.