1. John Abel McPherson was the first leader of the South Australian United Labor Party from 1892 to 1897.
13 Facts About John McPherson
1. 2.
John McPherson was born in Aberdeen, Scotland and migrated with his wife to Adelaide in 1882, joining the South Australian Typographical Society and working as a printer.
3.
John McPherson played a big part in the building and management of the South Australian Trades Hall, home of the United Trades and Labor Council of which he became an honorary secretary in 1890.
4.
The elections committee was formed, officially named the United Labor Party of South Australia with John McPherson the founding secretary.
5.
John McPherson won the 1892 East Adelaide by-election on 23 January, becoming the first official Labor member of the House of Assembly at the age of 32.
6.
John McPherson held the seat of East Adelaide until his death.
7.
John McPherson advocated a progressive land tax and opening up the land to smallholders.
8.
John McPherson sat on the shops and factories commission which advocated consolidation and simplification of the Health Act and new laws to cover factories and working conditions.
9.
John McPherson was an advocate for eight-hour working days and women's voting rights.
10.
John McPherson was a frequent contributor in the House on Federation, giving characteristically cautious support - from the point of view of democracy, he was fearful of the power of the Senate.
11.
On occasion John McPherson threatened to withdraw support from Kingston's cabinet, hoping to get a better deal from the opposition.
12.
John McPherson, diagnosed with cancer in August 1897, died the following December, aged only 37 years.
13.
John McPherson's funeral was attended by 1,000 mourners, who followed his coffin to West Terrace Cemetery.