William Bland's Funeral was the first use of the Mortuary Station.
For duelling with and fatally wounding Robert Case Purser of his ship HMS Hesper, William was tried for murder at Bombay and sentenced to seven years transportation, Pardoned Oct 1815.
"In 1842 parliament passed an act to authorize representative government in the colony by a single chamber of twelve nominees and twenty-four elected members. The first election was held on 15 June 1843 and Bland was elected as a representative of Sydney.
There is little doubt of his ability and patience as a surgeon, and of his selfless affection for the sick and the poor. It is also clear that he devoted tremendous energy and much time to establishing in New South Wales two basic freedoms: the right of man to be tried by his peers, and his right to participate in the election of his government." Australian Dictionary of Biography
His Photo is the earliest known surviving photograph taken in Australia - State Library of NSW
See also #5133 William Randall
Sources
The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954)Wednesday 22 July 1868 - Page 5
Funeral - The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954)Friday 24 July 1868 - Page 5
Parliament of New South Wales
