19 Facts About Newton Moore

Newton Moore served as the eighth Premier of Western Australia from 1906 to 1910 and, following service in the First World War, was a member of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom from 1918 to 1932.

Newton Moore was educated at Arthur Street Primary School in Bunbury before attending Prince Alfred College in Adelaide, South Australia.

In 1899 Moore was elected to the Bunbury Municipal Council, and was Mayor of Bunbury from 1900 to 1904.

Newton Moore was involved in the Western Australian militia, commencing a long career as a private with the BRV in 1894.

Newton Moore served as acting commander until 1908, when he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and officially appointed the commanding officer.

In 1901, Newton Moore contested the Western Australian Legislative Assembly seat of Bunbury, but was unsuccessful.

Newton Moore remains the most inexperienced politician ever to hold the office, having served in parliament for less than two years at the time of his appointment.

Newton Moore personally retained the Lands and Agriculture portfolio, and pursued a policy of cheap land for settlers.

Newton Moore's government laid the foundations of the Wheatbelt, and brought the state into line with the rest of Australia through an Income and Land tax, despite opposition from the conservative Legislative Council.

In September 1907, after a dispute with the Legislative Council, Newton Moore resigned as premier.

In 1908, Newton Moore led the Liberal Party to another election victory.

Newton Moore was Minister for Justice from 14 May 1909 until 30 June 1909, when he relinquished both the Agriculture and Lands portfolio and the Justice portfolio, and took up the office of Colonial Treasurer.

On 16 September 1910, Newton Moore resigned as Premier and Colonial Treasurer on the grounds of ill health.

Newton Moore was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in June 1908, and knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George in June 1910.

Newton Moore held that position until 1917, during which time he was promoted to the rank of major general.

In 1918, Newton Moore resigned as Agent-General after being invited by the Conservative Party to stand for the British House of Commons seat of St George's, Hanover Square, which had been made vacant by the death of former Prime Minister of Australia Sir George Reid.

Newton Moore was elected to the seat on 4 October 1918.

Newton Moore established himself as an excellent representative of Australia, and his opinion on Empire matters was highly valued by British ministers.

Newton Moore died on 28 October 1936 at a nursing home in London, following surgery.