John Clark Collection
Sir Michael H. Gallwey (1826-1912) An Irishman who emigrated to Natal in 1853 and set up a legal practice in Pietermaritzburg. By 1857 his ability was so widely recognized that he was offered the post of Attorney General, the youngest to be appointed. He was a member of the legislative council and in his lifetime held a number of political appointments. By 1890 he had become Chief Justice of Natal, a post he held until his retirement in 1901. On three occasions he acted as governor. He was noted for his clemency in criminal cases, as well as for his phenomenal memory. This picture shows him in his invalid chair on the verandah of his house (later known as Warrington House, now demolished). He liked to engage passersby of all races in conversation as they came from or went to the market square. In his long life of 86 years, he saw Pietermaritzburg grow into a city.