Sir George Reid

Who is Sir George Reid?

Sir George Houstoun Reid, former Australian politician and the fourth Prime Minister of Australia was born on 25 February 1845 at Johnstone, Scotland. He became the leader of the Free Trade party in1891 and renamed it Anti- Socialist party later. He was a member of Sydney School of Arts Debating Society, Young Men’s Presbyterian Union, Cobden Club, London and Savage Club, London.

Early Life and Education

He was the youngest of five sons of Rev. John Reid, Church of Scotland minister and his wife Marion. His family was brought to Victoria in 1852. George Reid studied at Scotch College. He was appointed as a junior clerk in a merchant's counting-house at the age of 13. Later he joined the Colonial Treasury as an assistant accountant. His life at the Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts Debating Society changed his life and very soon he became one of its leading figures.

Personal Life

George Reid married Flora Reid on 5th November 1891, with whom he had three children.

Political Career

He was famous for his quick wit and entertaining oratory. He was selected to the parliament representing East Sydney at the 1901 election. He became leader of the opposition and later he resigned when the government refused to accept the system of equal electoral districts and won his seat back at the subsequent by-election triggered by his own resignation. He became Prime Minister in 1904 and held office for a short period of time before he was voted out in 1905. He was Australia's first High Commissioner in London from 1910-1916. He died in September 1918, at the age of 73.

Honors

Oxford University honored him with an honorary Doctorate in Civil Law (DCL) in 1897. He was a member of Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council (1904). Other honors bestowed upon him include Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (1911) and a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (1916). Australia Post issued a stamp bearing his portrait in 1969.

4th Prime Minister of Australia
In office:	18 August 1904– 5 July 1905
Monarch	Edward VII
Governor General	Lord Northcote
Preceded by	Chris Watson
Succeeded by	Alfred Deakin
12th Premier of New South Wales
In office:	3 August 1894�– 13 September 1899
Preceded by	George Dibbs
Succeeded by	William Lyne
Member of the Australian Parliament for East Sydney
In office:	30 March 1901�– 13 April 1910
Preceded by	Seat Created
Succeeded by	John West
Personal details
Born	25 February 1845, Johnstone, Renfrewshire, Scotland, UK
Died	12 September 1918 (aged�73), London, England, UK
Nationality	British
Political party	Free Trade/Anti-Socialist
Spouse(s)	Flora Reid
Children	3
Religion	Presbyterianism