• Twenty first governor of New South Wales.

• Born in England in 1843.

• First naval officer since Captain Bligh appointed Governor of New South Wales.

• After the New South Wales Constitution Act had been passed and amended, the power of the Governor to fix the time and the place for holding every session of the Legislative Council and Assembly and the power to dissolve the Legislative Assembly was reiterated.

• Instrumental in deciding the replacement Premier for Sir John See.

• Other changes that occurred with Federation were that from 1902 official communication with England now came through the Governor-general’s office rather than through separate state Governor’s offices.

• Dispatches from the Imperial Office now came directly to the Governor-general who then passed them on to the relevant state governments.

• He had "a capacity for suggesting improvements or modifications to the State Government" without giving offence.

• In order to save the amount of time and money he felt was wasted in parliament, he suggested that, apart from party leaders, "all others may only speak as long as to take up three columns of Hansard when reported and if they desire to continue a charge of ten shillings a column shall be made."

• Tried to smooth the bitter religious divides and Commonwealth-State relations.

• Promoted the 'ultimate formation of a separate navy' for Australia.

• Generally supported the Governor-general but insisted the communications between State Governors and the Colonial Office remain confidential. Believed strongly in state rights.

• Devoted to his charitable and social duties including Masonic Lodges.

• Due to his popularity, his his term was extended.

• Died in London in 1910.

Chris Cunneen, 'DE CHAIR, Sir D. R. S., Australian Dictionary of Biography, vol. 7, ed. Bede Nairn and Geoffrey Serle, pp 267-268.