b'Alfred Macartney HemsleyAlfred Macartney Hemsley was born in Ealing in West Londonyet been thought of. Many public companies were said to in 1860. In 1888, two years after being admitted as ahave considered it irresponsible to make major commercial solicitor, he set sail for New South Wales to join the legaldecisions without first consulting Alfred Hemsley.firm of his older brother, Alexander. Tragically, Alexander died a few months after Alfred arrived. Alfred remained at theAt sixty-eight, Hemsley was described by Smiths Weekly as firm which became known as Levy Hemsley & Perkinsperhaps the youngest old man in Sydney, counselling the until the death of David Levy in 1894, when Alfred joinedwhos who of Sydneys business community on important Allen & Allen.legal matters. He walked to work from Potts Point, despite having a gold travel pass he received upon his appointment A tall man with great presence, Alfred Hemsley exudedto the Legislative Council. One of his passions outside the warmth and was known for his kindness towards everyonelaw was St Lukes Hospital in Darlinghurst, where he served he came in contact with, from the youngest office workeras chairman of the hospitals board for over fifteen years. to the general manager of the Bank of New South Wales.Hemsley House at St Lukes Hospital is named in his honour.An astute lawyer and businessperson, he made an indelible mark on the firm, inspiring colleagues with both hisUpon Hemsleys death in 1937 former premier of New compassion and exceptional skills as a lawyer.South Wales, Sir Thomas Bavin, described him as the trusted adviser of hundreds from the directors of great Like George and Wigram Allen before him, Hemsley was activebusiness enterprises and financial institutions, down to in politics and business as well as the law. He was a memberthe humblest of individuals. No one ever went to him in this of the New South Wales Legislative Council, president ofcapacity without getting advice that was wise, sound, and the New South Wales Law Institute, and a director of manyhonourable advice in which his own interests counted Australian companies. One of his main clients was thefor nothing, and the best interests of his clients counted Australian Gas Light Company and it was remarked thatfor everything.what Hemsley did not know about the Gas Acts had not Mr Hemsley was and remains my hero. He wasthe Atlas who carried the office on his shouldersfor fifty years. He was a fine lawyer. Sir Norman Cowper, senior partner64'