16 Facts About Frederick Holder

Sir Frederick William Holder was an Australian politician who served as the first speaker of the Australian House of Representatives from 1901 to 1909.

Frederick Holder was a prominent member of federation movement and the first Parliament of Australia, following Federation in 1901.

Frederick Holder's wife proved to be a great boon to his career, providing political advice and serving as South Australian President of the influential Women's Christian Temperance Union.

Frederick Holder sat on many royal commissions during his parliamentary career in South Australia, and his reasonableness and sincerity made him a very valuable committee man.

Frederick Holder had only a small majority and it was a time of great financial difficulties due to a severe drought and Holder was forced out as Premier after just four months.

Frederick Holder opposed to Convention's decision to transfer postal and telegraphic services to the new Commonwealth.

Frederick Holder took over the liberal leadership from Charles Kingston and was again Premier, this time from 1899 to 1901.

Frederick Holder was succeeded in both roles by John Jenkins.

Frederick Holder initially accepted, and was in Melbourne en route to Sydney to officially accept his ministry when he was convinced by Alfred Deakin to refuse Lyne and instead support Edmund Barton's claim to the premiership.

Nonetheless, Frederick Holder resigned as Premier to successfully contest the 1901 federal election for the Free Trade Party and entered the new federal parliament in the single statewide Division of South Australia.

Labor did not observe the convention in the 1906 election and contested the Division of Wakefield, but Frederick Holder was re-elected as an independent candidate.

At 5 am the House was in committee, but Frederick Holder was present, having been called to the chamber to receive the committee's report, and was seated on the front bench, next to the Minister for Home Affairs, George Fuller.

Frederick Holder was taken to his room, where a cerebral hemorrhage was diagnosed by three members with medical qualifications and a doctor from outside the house.

Frederick Holder died at 4:18 pm that same day without having gained consciousness.

The Canberra suburb of Frederick Holder was named in his honour when gazetted in 1970.

Frederick Holder was president of the Women's Christian Temperance Union in South Australia, and a vice-president of the National Council of Women.