La Trobe, Charles Joseph (1801-1875), became superintendent of the Port Phillip district in Australia in 1839. The settlement was then governed as part of New South Wales. La Trobe advocated that it should be separated from New South Wales. In 1851, the Port Phillip district became the separate colony of Victoria. La Trobe was lieutenant governor of the new colony from 1851 to 1854. He did much for the growing colony. He established a firm system of local government. When he attempted to introduce a system of license fees for gold mining, many miners revolted against the system. La Trobe was born in London on March 20, 1801. He died in Litlington, Sussex, England, on Dec. 2, 1875.
