John Schlank—Craftsman of the Mace
Statement
The Speaker (Mr Stephen Price) (12:03 pm): I have another statement regarding the descendants of the Mace's craftsman, Salis Schlank. Members, I draw your attention to the Speaker's gallery, where we are honoured to be joined today by Mr John Schlank and Mr Will Schlank, direct descendants of Salis Schlank, the craftsman behind our Mace, the oldest parliamentary Mace in Australia. Salis Schlank was South Australia's leading medal maker of his time. He established a factory in Adelaide, named in honour of his wife, Laura Beaver, where the Mace was meticulously crafted. The Mace was designed by jewelling prodigy Vincent Edward Nesbit at a cost of £70. It was commissioned by the Western Australian State Works Department in 1887 and is made of silver with gold gilt. It was first used in the Legislative Council in 1888 and was transferred, along with the Sergeant-at-Arms, to the newly established Legislative Assembly in 1890. We warmly welcome the Schlanks and thank them for their connection to this enduring symbol of our parliamentary heritage.
