George Leake CMG (posthumous) QC (3 December 1856 – 24 June 1902) was Premier of Western Australia from 27 May 1901 to 21 November 1901, and again from 23 December 1901 until his death on 24 June 1902.
George Leake was born on 3 December 1856 in Perth in what was then the British colony of Western Australia. He was educated at the Church of England Collegiate School (now Hale School) and at St Peter's College in Adelaide. He studied law, and in 1880 was admitted to the Western Australian bar and became a partner in his father's law firm. The following year he married Louisa Emily Burt, daughter of the late Chief Justice; Sir Archibald Burt. In 1883 he was appointed Crown Solicitor and Public Prosecutor. Leake also took a keen interest in the gold mining industry, and was a member of the syndicate that successfully sent Harry Anstey to find gold in the Yilgarn in 1887.
In September 1886, Leake was appointed acting Attorney-General, and was subsequently nominated to the colony's Legislative Council. He remained in the position until December. On 28 November 1890, Leake was elected unopposed to the Legislative Assembly seat of Roebourne. He was offered a position in John Forrest's ministry, but declined, and resigned shortly afterwards on 30 December 1890 to avoid forfeiting his position as Crown Solicitor.
On 23 June 1894, Leake was elected as Legislative Assembly member for Albany, and in the following year became Leader of the Opposition. He was an enthusiastic proponent of federation and was president of the Federation League. In 1897 he was chosen as a Western Australian delegate to the Federal Convention, and attended meetings in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne. He became a Queen's Counsel in 1898.
On 2 August 1900, Leake resigned his seat for business reasons, and travelled to Europe. After his return, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly as member for West Perth on 24 April 1901. No party won clear support in that election, and the incumbent premier George Throssell resigned office before parliament met, rather than test his support. Leader of the Opposition Frederick Illingworth was then invited to form a government, but could not do so because Leake refused to serve under him and some other members refused to serve without Leake. Eventually it was agreed that Leake would become premier, and Illingworth would be treasurer and colonial secretary. Leake became Premier and Attorney-General on 27 May.
Leake's government did not have the support of the majority of parliament, but it was allowed to govern for five months until finally being defeated in November. Alf Morgans then formed a government, but in the subsequent ministerial by-election, supporters of Leake stood against Morgans' new cabinet, and three of the six new ministers were defeated. Morgans then resigned and Leake returned as Premier and Attorney-General on 23 December 1901, this time with much clearer support.
In June 1902, Leake caught pneumonia. He died on 24 June 1902, to date the only Western Australian premier to die in office. Two days later it was announced in The Times that King Edward VII had intended to make him a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG), and the award was made posthumously.
- wiki
History is made by men collectively and individually. One strong hand can mar the work of generations; one build a nation.
Among the strong men whose intelligent minds have moulded Western Australian history stand boldly forth the Leake family. Right back to the toilsome days of 1829, when Captain Stirling founded the colony with his band of pioneers, representatives of this house have, mentally, peered over the shoulders of their contemporaries. They were of the true class of pioneers, who quickly entered into the spirit of national colonisation, and politically and commercially strengthened those institutions which have built up this remote colony. In the old Crown colony days the Leakes assisted in every agitation and movement which seemed to them to tend to a healthy destiny. During the memorable depression of the forties, Mr. George Leake—a worthy pioneer long since gone to his grave—was unceasing in his efforts to obviate distress, and establish commercial prosperity. He was a zealous advocate of the rights of settlers, and proclaimed their worthiness with an earnestness and a fearlessness that were refreshing. When death too quickly removed him, his sons, emulating his example, threw their sympathies and devoted their whole energies and talents to the local cause. Throughout long political careers they were as strong buttresses to colonial institutions during many years of dangers. But the name of Leake is so often mentioned in local history that it requires no adulation in this place.
George Leake, born in Perth in 1856, is a grandson of the pioneer, and eldest son of the late G. W. Leake, Q.C., who on more than one occasion was Acting Attorney-General and Acting Chief Justice for the colony, and was a member of the Legislative Councils, under the old constitution, as well as the newer one of Responsible Government. The uncle of Mr. George Leake was the late Sir Luke Leake, the first Speaker of the Legislative Council, before responsible Government was granted. Young Leake was educated partly in Perth and partly at St. Peter's College, Adelaide. After the completion of his scholastic studies he returned to Perth, and deciding upon the law as a profession, entered his father's office, where, under the parental eye, he soon made headway, and was admitted to practice in the year 1880. Then he entered into partnership with his father, until finally the latter retired. A year after George's admission to the bar he was made Acting Crown Solicitor and Public Prosecutor, and in 1883 was permanently appointed to that office. This honour to one so young was significant, but the ability and judgment he displayed in the conduct of his important office won for him encomiums from his brother professionals and the bench. When the first general elections under self government took place Mr. Leake was returned unopposed for the constituency of Roebourne, and was offered a portfolio in the Forrest Government, but declined, remaining as Crown Solicitor until 1894.
He was returned as member for Albany at the second general election and during the session of 1895 was elected leader of the Opposition, a position which his mental attributes and keen political economy studies enabled him to fill with credit. Mr. Leake was chosen as one of the delegates to represent Western Australia at the Federation Convention held at Adelaide in April, 1897, and has been a most consistent advocate of the movement since his entry into politics. A firm believer in the resources of the colony in which he was born, he takes an absorbing interest in the gold mining industry, and on many occasions has contributed to the fitting out of prospecting parties. He was a member of the syndicate which sent out Mr. Harry Anstey's expedition, when gold was found in the Yilgarn Valley in 1887. In 1896 Mr. Leake paid a visit to England, and while there was appointed representative of a powerful financial group, on whose behalf he concluded negotiations for a big tramway system in Perth.
Mr. Leake has always been a moving force in social and philanthropic affairs. He is a keen sportsman, and for years has been a leading light on the committee of the Western Australia Turf Club. Should he desire it, Mr. Leake has a political life of great possibilities before him. With the shrewdness which the successful man of his profession acquires, he has the keen analytical mind of a well-informed politician.
-By Warren Bert Kimberly
-----
- George Leake left Western Australia, but he returned in 1888 on the ship Lusitania from Adelaide.
- He went to St Peter's School which is now called St Peter's College, Adelaide.
- He was MLC for Roebourne in 1890, resigned his seat for business reasons, MLC for Albany in 1894, West Perth in 1901, Premier for part of 1901, defeated, and returned with stronger support in 1902, but his term was ended by his death.
- He could have become a backbencher for Forrest but did not because he needed the money his current job gave him.
- After he died he was given a very special award, Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, CMG.
- His first government was different because the majority of parliament did not actually support him, but his second government had strong support.
- He was a good lawyer; he was called to silk becoming Queen's Council, Crown Solicitor and Public Prosecutor.
- He passed the Trade Unions Act, which confirmed trade unions were legal.
- He passed the Workers Compensation Act to boost compensation for employees.
- He was a strong supporter of Federation.
- He helped WA to adopt a two-party system. He was popular as a person and politician.
- He was a good sportsman.
- He was very good at debating.
- He had a unique confrontational style.
- He was willing to change his ideas for the voters.
George Leake was born on 3 December 1856 in Perth in what was then the British colony of Western Australia. He was educated at the Church of England Collegiate School (now Hale School) and at St Peter's College in Adelaide. He studied law, and in 1880 was admitted to the Western Australian bar and became a partner in his father's law firm. The following year he married Louisa Emily Burt, daughter of the late Chief Justice; Sir Archibald Burt. In 1883 he was appointed Crown Solicitor and Public Prosecutor. Leake also took a keen interest in the gold mining industry, and was a member of the syndicate that successfully sent Harry Anstey to find gold in the Yilgarn in 1887.
In September 1886, Leake was appointed acting Attorney-General, and was subsequently nominated to the colony's Legislative Council. He remained in the position until December. On 28 November 1890, Leake was elected unopposed to the Legislative Assembly seat of Roebourne. He was offered a position in John Forrest's ministry, but declined, and resigned shortly afterwards on 30 December 1890 to avoid forfeiting his position as Crown Solicitor.
On 23 June 1894, Leake was elected as Legislative Assembly member for Albany, and in the following year became Leader of the Opposition. He was an enthusiastic proponent of federation and was president of the Federation League. In 1897 he was chosen as a Western Australian delegate to the Federal Convention, and attended meetings in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne. He became a Queen's Counsel in 1898.
On 2 August 1900, Leake resigned his seat for business reasons, and travelled to Europe. After his return, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly as member for West Perth on 24 April 1901. No party won clear support in that election, and the incumbent premier George Throssell resigned office before parliament met, rather than test his support. Leader of the Opposition Frederick Illingworth was then invited to form a government, but could not do so because Leake refused to serve under him and some other members refused to serve without Leake. Eventually it was agreed that Leake would become premier, and Illingworth would be treasurer and colonial secretary. Leake became Premier and Attorney-General on 27 May.
Leake's government did not have the support of the majority of parliament, but it was allowed to govern for five months until finally being defeated in November. Alf Morgans then formed a government, but in the subsequent ministerial by-election, supporters of Leake stood against Morgans' new cabinet, and three of the six new ministers were defeated. Morgans then resigned and Leake returned as Premier and Attorney-General on 23 December 1901, this time with much clearer support.
In June 1902, Leake caught pneumonia. He died on 24 June 1902, to date the only Western Australian premier to die in office. Two days later it was announced in The Times that King Edward VII had intended to make him a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG), and the award was made posthumously.
- wiki
History is made by men collectively and individually. One strong hand can mar the work of generations; one build a nation.
Among the strong men whose intelligent minds have moulded Western Australian history stand boldly forth the Leake family. Right back to the toilsome days of 1829, when Captain Stirling founded the colony with his band of pioneers, representatives of this house have, mentally, peered over the shoulders of their contemporaries. They were of the true class of pioneers, who quickly entered into the spirit of national colonisation, and politically and commercially strengthened those institutions which have built up this remote colony. In the old Crown colony days the Leakes assisted in every agitation and movement which seemed to them to tend to a healthy destiny. During the memorable depression of the forties, Mr. George Leake—a worthy pioneer long since gone to his grave—was unceasing in his efforts to obviate distress, and establish commercial prosperity. He was a zealous advocate of the rights of settlers, and proclaimed their worthiness with an earnestness and a fearlessness that were refreshing. When death too quickly removed him, his sons, emulating his example, threw their sympathies and devoted their whole energies and talents to the local cause. Throughout long political careers they were as strong buttresses to colonial institutions during many years of dangers. But the name of Leake is so often mentioned in local history that it requires no adulation in this place.
George Leake, born in Perth in 1856, is a grandson of the pioneer, and eldest son of the late G. W. Leake, Q.C., who on more than one occasion was Acting Attorney-General and Acting Chief Justice for the colony, and was a member of the Legislative Councils, under the old constitution, as well as the newer one of Responsible Government. The uncle of Mr. George Leake was the late Sir Luke Leake, the first Speaker of the Legislative Council, before responsible Government was granted. Young Leake was educated partly in Perth and partly at St. Peter's College, Adelaide. After the completion of his scholastic studies he returned to Perth, and deciding upon the law as a profession, entered his father's office, where, under the parental eye, he soon made headway, and was admitted to practice in the year 1880. Then he entered into partnership with his father, until finally the latter retired. A year after George's admission to the bar he was made Acting Crown Solicitor and Public Prosecutor, and in 1883 was permanently appointed to that office. This honour to one so young was significant, but the ability and judgment he displayed in the conduct of his important office won for him encomiums from his brother professionals and the bench. When the first general elections under self government took place Mr. Leake was returned unopposed for the constituency of Roebourne, and was offered a portfolio in the Forrest Government, but declined, remaining as Crown Solicitor until 1894.
He was returned as member for Albany at the second general election and during the session of 1895 was elected leader of the Opposition, a position which his mental attributes and keen political economy studies enabled him to fill with credit. Mr. Leake was chosen as one of the delegates to represent Western Australia at the Federation Convention held at Adelaide in April, 1897, and has been a most consistent advocate of the movement since his entry into politics. A firm believer in the resources of the colony in which he was born, he takes an absorbing interest in the gold mining industry, and on many occasions has contributed to the fitting out of prospecting parties. He was a member of the syndicate which sent out Mr. Harry Anstey's expedition, when gold was found in the Yilgarn Valley in 1887. In 1896 Mr. Leake paid a visit to England, and while there was appointed representative of a powerful financial group, on whose behalf he concluded negotiations for a big tramway system in Perth.
Mr. Leake has always been a moving force in social and philanthropic affairs. He is a keen sportsman, and for years has been a leading light on the committee of the Western Australia Turf Club. Should he desire it, Mr. Leake has a political life of great possibilities before him. With the shrewdness which the successful man of his profession acquires, he has the keen analytical mind of a well-informed politician.
-By Warren Bert Kimberly
-----
- George Leake left Western Australia, but he returned in 1888 on the ship Lusitania from Adelaide.
- He went to St Peter's School which is now called St Peter's College, Adelaide.
- He was MLC for Roebourne in 1890, resigned his seat for business reasons, MLC for Albany in 1894, West Perth in 1901, Premier for part of 1901, defeated, and returned with stronger support in 1902, but his term was ended by his death.
- He could have become a backbencher for Forrest but did not because he needed the money his current job gave him.
- After he died he was given a very special award, Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, CMG.
- His first government was different because the majority of parliament did not actually support him, but his second government had strong support.
- He was a good lawyer; he was called to silk becoming Queen's Council, Crown Solicitor and Public Prosecutor.
- He passed the Trade Unions Act, which confirmed trade unions were legal.
- He passed the Workers Compensation Act to boost compensation for employees.
- He was a strong supporter of Federation.
- He helped WA to adopt a two-party system. He was popular as a person and politician.
- He was a good sportsman.
- He was very good at debating.
- He had a unique confrontational style.
- He was willing to change his ideas for the voters.
George Leake CMG (posthumous) QC (3 December 1856 – 24 June 1902) was Premier of Western Australia from 27 May 1901 to 21 November 1901, and again from 23 December 1901 until his death on 24 June 1902.
George Leake was born on 3 December 1856 in Perth in what was then the British colony of Western Australia. He was educated at the Church of England Collegiate School (now Hale School) and at St Peter's College in Adelaide. He studied law, and in 1880 was admitted to the Western Australian bar and became a partner in his father's law firm. The following year he married Louisa Emily Burt, daughter of the late Chief Justice; Sir Archibald Burt. In 1883 he was appointed Crown Solicitor and Public Prosecutor. Leake also took a keen interest in the gold mining industry, and was a member of the syndicate that successfully sent Harry Anstey to find gold in the Yilgarn in 1887.
In September 1886, Leake was appointed acting Attorney-General, and was subsequently nominated to the colony's Legislative Council. He remained in the position until December. On 28 November 1890, Leake was elected unopposed to the Legislative Assembly seat of Roebourne. He was offered a position in John Forrest's ministry, but declined, and resigned shortly afterwards on 30 December 1890 to avoid forfeiting his position as Crown Solicitor.
On 23 June 1894, Leake was elected as Legislative Assembly member for Albany, and in the following year became Leader of the Opposition. He was an enthusiastic proponent of federation and was president of the Federation League. In 1897 he was chosen as a Western Australian delegate to the Federal Convention, and attended meetings in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne. He became a Queen's Counsel in 1898.
On 2 August 1900, Leake resigned his seat for business reasons, and travelled to Europe. After his return, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly as member for West Perth on 24 April 1901. No party won clear support in that election, and the incumbent premier George Throssell resigned office before parliament met, rather than test his support. Leader of the Opposition Frederick Illingworth was then invited to form a government, but could not do so because Leake refused to serve under him and some other members refused to serve without Leake. Eventually it was agreed that Leake would become premier, and Illingworth would be treasurer and colonial secretary. Leake became Premier and Attorney-General on 27 May.
Leake's government did not have the support of the majority of parliament, but it was allowed to govern for five months until finally being defeated in November. Alf Morgans then formed a government, but in the subsequent ministerial by-election, supporters of Leake stood against Morgans' new cabinet, and three of the six new ministers were defeated. Morgans then resigned and Leake returned as Premier and Attorney-General on 23 December 1901, this time with much clearer support.
In June 1902, Leake caught pneumonia. He died on 24 June 1902, to date the only Western Australian premier to die in office. Two days later it was announced in The Times that King Edward VII had intended to make him a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG), and the award was made posthumously.
- wiki
History is made by men collectively and individually. One strong hand can mar the work of generations; one build a nation.
Among the strong men whose intelligent minds have moulded Western Australian history stand boldly forth the Leake family. Right back to the toilsome days of 1829, when Captain Stirling founded the colony with his band of pioneers, representatives of this house have, mentally, peered over the shoulders of their contemporaries. They were of the true class of pioneers, who quickly entered into the spirit of national colonisation, and politically and commercially strengthened those institutions which have built up this remote colony. In the old Crown colony days the Leakes assisted in every agitation and movement which seemed to them to tend to a healthy destiny. During the memorable depression of the forties, Mr. George Leake—a worthy pioneer long since gone to his grave—was unceasing in his efforts to obviate distress, and establish commercial prosperity. He was a zealous advocate of the rights of settlers, and proclaimed their worthiness with an earnestness and a fearlessness that were refreshing. When death too quickly removed him, his sons, emulating his example, threw their sympathies and devoted their whole energies and talents to the local cause. Throughout long political careers they were as strong buttresses to colonial institutions during many years of dangers. But the name of Leake is so often mentioned in local history that it requires no adulation in this place.
George Leake, born in Perth in 1856, is a grandson of the pioneer, and eldest son of the late G. W. Leake, Q.C., who on more than one occasion was Acting Attorney-General and Acting Chief Justice for the colony, and was a member of the Legislative Councils, under the old constitution, as well as the newer one of Responsible Government. The uncle of Mr. George Leake was the late Sir Luke Leake, the first Speaker of the Legislative Council, before responsible Government was granted. Young Leake was educated partly in Perth and partly at St. Peter's College, Adelaide. After the completion of his scholastic studies he returned to Perth, and deciding upon the law as a profession, entered his father's office, where, under the parental eye, he soon made headway, and was admitted to practice in the year 1880. Then he entered into partnership with his father, until finally the latter retired. A year after George's admission to the bar he was made Acting Crown Solicitor and Public Prosecutor, and in 1883 was permanently appointed to that office. This honour to one so young was significant, but the ability and judgment he displayed in the conduct of his important office won for him encomiums from his brother professionals and the bench. When the first general elections under self government took place Mr. Leake was returned unopposed for the constituency of Roebourne, and was offered a portfolio in the Forrest Government, but declined, remaining as Crown Solicitor until 1894.
He was returned as member for Albany at the second general election and during the session of 1895 was elected leader of the Opposition, a position which his mental attributes and keen political economy studies enabled him to fill with credit. Mr. Leake was chosen as one of the delegates to represent Western Australia at the Federation Convention held at Adelaide in April, 1897, and has been a most consistent advocate of the movement since his entry into politics. A firm believer in the resources of the colony in which he was born, he takes an absorbing interest in the gold mining industry, and on many occasions has contributed to the fitting out of prospecting parties. He was a member of the syndicate which sent out Mr. Harry Anstey's expedition, when gold was found in the Yilgarn Valley in 1887. In 1896 Mr. Leake paid a visit to England, and while there was appointed representative of a powerful financial group, on whose behalf he concluded negotiations for a big tramway system in Perth.
Mr. Leake has always been a moving force in social and philanthropic affairs. He is a keen sportsman, and for years has been a leading light on the committee of the Western Australia Turf Club. Should he desire it, Mr. Leake has a political life of great possibilities before him. With the shrewdness which the successful man of his profession acquires, he has the keen analytical mind of a well-informed politician.
-By Warren Bert Kimberly
-----
- George Leake left Western Australia, but he returned in 1888 on the ship Lusitania from Adelaide.
- He went to St Peter's School which is now called St Peter's College, Adelaide.
- He was MLC for Roebourne in 1890, resigned his seat for business reasons, MLC for Albany in 1894, West Perth in 1901, Premier for part of 1901, defeated, and returned with stronger support in 1902, but his term was ended by his death.
- He could have become a backbencher for Forrest but did not because he needed the money his current job gave him.
- After he died he was given a very special award, Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, CMG.
- His first government was different because the majority of parliament did not actually support him, but his second government had strong support.
- He was a good lawyer; he was called to silk becoming Queen's Council, Crown Solicitor and Public Prosecutor.
- He passed the Trade Unions Act, which confirmed trade unions were legal.
- He passed the Workers Compensation Act to boost compensation for employees.
- He was a strong supporter of Federation.
- He helped WA to adopt a two-party system. He was popular as a person and politician.
- He was a good sportsman.
- He was very good at debating.
- He had a unique confrontational style.
- He was willing to change his ideas for the voters.
George Leake was born on 3 December 1856 in Perth in what was then the British colony of Western Australia. He was educated at the Church of England Collegiate School (now Hale School) and at St Peter's College in Adelaide. He studied law, and in 1880 was admitted to the Western Australian bar and became a partner in his father's law firm. The following year he married Louisa Emily Burt, daughter of the late Chief Justice; Sir Archibald Burt. In 1883 he was appointed Crown Solicitor and Public Prosecutor. Leake also took a keen interest in the gold mining industry, and was a member of the syndicate that successfully sent Harry Anstey to find gold in the Yilgarn in 1887.
In September 1886, Leake was appointed acting Attorney-General, and was subsequently nominated to the colony's Legislative Council. He remained in the position until December. On 28 November 1890, Leake was elected unopposed to the Legislative Assembly seat of Roebourne. He was offered a position in John Forrest's ministry, but declined, and resigned shortly afterwards on 30 December 1890 to avoid forfeiting his position as Crown Solicitor.
On 23 June 1894, Leake was elected as Legislative Assembly member for Albany, and in the following year became Leader of the Opposition. He was an enthusiastic proponent of federation and was president of the Federation League. In 1897 he was chosen as a Western Australian delegate to the Federal Convention, and attended meetings in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne. He became a Queen's Counsel in 1898.
On 2 August 1900, Leake resigned his seat for business reasons, and travelled to Europe. After his return, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly as member for West Perth on 24 April 1901. No party won clear support in that election, and the incumbent premier George Throssell resigned office before parliament met, rather than test his support. Leader of the Opposition Frederick Illingworth was then invited to form a government, but could not do so because Leake refused to serve under him and some other members refused to serve without Leake. Eventually it was agreed that Leake would become premier, and Illingworth would be treasurer and colonial secretary. Leake became Premier and Attorney-General on 27 May.
Leake's government did not have the support of the majority of parliament, but it was allowed to govern for five months until finally being defeated in November. Alf Morgans then formed a government, but in the subsequent ministerial by-election, supporters of Leake stood against Morgans' new cabinet, and three of the six new ministers were defeated. Morgans then resigned and Leake returned as Premier and Attorney-General on 23 December 1901, this time with much clearer support.
In June 1902, Leake caught pneumonia. He died on 24 June 1902, to date the only Western Australian premier to die in office. Two days later it was announced in The Times that King Edward VII had intended to make him a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG), and the award was made posthumously.
- wiki
History is made by men collectively and individually. One strong hand can mar the work of generations; one build a nation.
Among the strong men whose intelligent minds have moulded Western Australian history stand boldly forth the Leake family. Right back to the toilsome days of 1829, when Captain Stirling founded the colony with his band of pioneers, representatives of this house have, mentally, peered over the shoulders of their contemporaries. They were of the true class of pioneers, who quickly entered into the spirit of national colonisation, and politically and commercially strengthened those institutions which have built up this remote colony. In the old Crown colony days the Leakes assisted in every agitation and movement which seemed to them to tend to a healthy destiny. During the memorable depression of the forties, Mr. George Leake—a worthy pioneer long since gone to his grave—was unceasing in his efforts to obviate distress, and establish commercial prosperity. He was a zealous advocate of the rights of settlers, and proclaimed their worthiness with an earnestness and a fearlessness that were refreshing. When death too quickly removed him, his sons, emulating his example, threw their sympathies and devoted their whole energies and talents to the local cause. Throughout long political careers they were as strong buttresses to colonial institutions during many years of dangers. But the name of Leake is so often mentioned in local history that it requires no adulation in this place.
George Leake, born in Perth in 1856, is a grandson of the pioneer, and eldest son of the late G. W. Leake, Q.C., who on more than one occasion was Acting Attorney-General and Acting Chief Justice for the colony, and was a member of the Legislative Councils, under the old constitution, as well as the newer one of Responsible Government. The uncle of Mr. George Leake was the late Sir Luke Leake, the first Speaker of the Legislative Council, before responsible Government was granted. Young Leake was educated partly in Perth and partly at St. Peter's College, Adelaide. After the completion of his scholastic studies he returned to Perth, and deciding upon the law as a profession, entered his father's office, where, under the parental eye, he soon made headway, and was admitted to practice in the year 1880. Then he entered into partnership with his father, until finally the latter retired. A year after George's admission to the bar he was made Acting Crown Solicitor and Public Prosecutor, and in 1883 was permanently appointed to that office. This honour to one so young was significant, but the ability and judgment he displayed in the conduct of his important office won for him encomiums from his brother professionals and the bench. When the first general elections under self government took place Mr. Leake was returned unopposed for the constituency of Roebourne, and was offered a portfolio in the Forrest Government, but declined, remaining as Crown Solicitor until 1894.
He was returned as member for Albany at the second general election and during the session of 1895 was elected leader of the Opposition, a position which his mental attributes and keen political economy studies enabled him to fill with credit. Mr. Leake was chosen as one of the delegates to represent Western Australia at the Federation Convention held at Adelaide in April, 1897, and has been a most consistent advocate of the movement since his entry into politics. A firm believer in the resources of the colony in which he was born, he takes an absorbing interest in the gold mining industry, and on many occasions has contributed to the fitting out of prospecting parties. He was a member of the syndicate which sent out Mr. Harry Anstey's expedition, when gold was found in the Yilgarn Valley in 1887. In 1896 Mr. Leake paid a visit to England, and while there was appointed representative of a powerful financial group, on whose behalf he concluded negotiations for a big tramway system in Perth.
Mr. Leake has always been a moving force in social and philanthropic affairs. He is a keen sportsman, and for years has been a leading light on the committee of the Western Australia Turf Club. Should he desire it, Mr. Leake has a political life of great possibilities before him. With the shrewdness which the successful man of his profession acquires, he has the keen analytical mind of a well-informed politician.
-By Warren Bert Kimberly
-----
- George Leake left Western Australia, but he returned in 1888 on the ship Lusitania from Adelaide.
- He went to St Peter's School which is now called St Peter's College, Adelaide.
- He was MLC for Roebourne in 1890, resigned his seat for business reasons, MLC for Albany in 1894, West Perth in 1901, Premier for part of 1901, defeated, and returned with stronger support in 1902, but his term was ended by his death.
- He could have become a backbencher for Forrest but did not because he needed the money his current job gave him.
- After he died he was given a very special award, Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, CMG.
- His first government was different because the majority of parliament did not actually support him, but his second government had strong support.
- He was a good lawyer; he was called to silk becoming Queen's Council, Crown Solicitor and Public Prosecutor.
- He passed the Trade Unions Act, which confirmed trade unions were legal.
- He passed the Workers Compensation Act to boost compensation for employees.
- He was a strong supporter of Federation.
- He helped WA to adopt a two-party system. He was popular as a person and politician.
- He was a good sportsman.
- He was very good at debating.
- He had a unique confrontational style.
- He was willing to change his ideas for the voters.
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