15 Facts About Alf Morgans

Alfred Edward Morgans was the fourth Premier of Western Australia, serving for just over a month, from 21 November to 23 December 1901.

Alf Morgans arrived in Western Australia in 1896, during the gold rush, and developed the Mount Morgans Gold Mine.

Alf Morgans was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Western Australia in 1897, representing the seat of Coolgardie.

Alf Morgans was appointed Premier in late 1901, as a compromise candidate to replace George Leake, but his government was brought down after only 32 days.

Leake returned as Premier, and Alf Morgans left parliament in 1904, at the end of his term.

Alf Morgans was born at Ochr Chwith Machen Lower, Machen, Monmouthshire in Wales on 17 February 1850.

Alf Morgans was educated at private schools and subsequently attended the Welsh School of Mines.

In 1878, Alf Morgans' employers sent him to Mexico to supervise their gold and silver mines.

Alf Morgans arrived at Albany, Western Australia on RMS Himalaya from London on 18 March 1896, as a representative of Alf Morgans' Syndicate Ltd.

Alf Morgans acquired numerous properties and mining interests throughout the state, including Westralia Mount Morgans, and he was generally considered to be a leading authority on mining investment.

On 4 May 1897, Alf Morgans was elected to the Legislative Assembly seat of Coolgardie.

However, in the subsequent ministerial by-election, supporters of Leake stood against Alf Morgans' newly appointed cabinet, and three of the six new ministers were defeated.

Alf Morgans then asked Governor Lawley for a dissolution of the Assembly, but this was refused.

Alf Morgans resigned as premier on 23 December 1901, and Leake took office again, this time with clearly defined support.

Alf Morgans died on 10 August 1933 at South Perth in Western Australia.