Premier of Tasmania. A member of Australia's Labor Party, he served as premier on two different occasions. First, from December 18, 1939 to December 18, 1947 and lastly, from February 25, 1948 to August 26, 1958. Prior to becoming premier, he attended state schools in Campania, Sorell, and Richmond. He finished his education at St Mary's College in Hobart. He then worked as a grocer. He became interested in and joined the United Grocers' Union, the Shop Assistants' Union, and the Storemen's and Packers' Union. Later, he lived in Wellington, New Zealand for a few years where he served on the council of the Wellington Trades Hall. Returning to Tasmania, he was elected to the Tasmanian House of Assembly in 1919, 1925 and 1934. Thereafter, he held his seat until his retirement in 1958. He was appointed to the ministry in 1934 with responsibility for agriculture, forests, and the Agricultural Bank of Tasmania. In 1939 he was elected as deputy premier and served as state treasurer. In a few months, after the retirement of the incumbent premier, he became premier. He is best remembered for being premier for 18 years and six months, the longest service in Tasmanian history.

Premier of Tasmania. A member of Australia's Labor Party, he served as premier on two different occasions. First, from December 18, 1939 to December 18, 1947 and lastly, from February 25, 1948 to August 26, 1958. Prior to becoming premier, he attended state schools in Campania, Sorell, and Richmond. He finished his education at St Mary's College in Hobart. He then worked as a grocer. He became interested in and joined the United Grocers' Union, the Shop Assistants' Union, and the Storemen's and Packers' Union. Later, he lived in Wellington, New Zealand for a few years where he served on the council of the Wellington Trades Hall. Returning to Tasmania, he was elected to the Tasmanian House of Assembly in 1919, 1925 and 1934. Thereafter, he held his seat until his retirement in 1958. He was appointed to the ministry in 1934 with responsibility for agriculture, forests, and the Agricultural Bank of Tasmania. In 1939 he was elected as deputy premier and served as state treasurer. In a few months, after the retirement of the incumbent premier, he became premier. He is best remembered for being premier for 18 years and six months, the longest service in Tasmanian history.

Bio by: letemrip