George Reid was Australias 4th Prime Minister in 1905 to 1905. Prior to Federation, hed been NSW Premier. His equivocal position on Federation led to the nickname Yes-no Reid. He was elected to the seat of East Sydney at the first federal election in 1901, representing the Free Trade Party. Born in Scotland in 1852, Reid immigrated with his family to Australia at age 13. He became a NSW public servant, rising to become head of the Attorney-Generals department before entering state politics. Reid was a jovial and rotund figure who was a noted and quick-witted public speaker. From the book Australias Prime Ministers by Michelle Grattan: In one particular incident his quick wit and affinity for humour were demonstrated when a heckler pointed to his ample paunch and exclaimed What are you going to call it, George? to which Reid replied: If its a boy, Ill call it after myself. If its a girl Ill call it Victoria. But if, as I strongly suspect, its nothing but piss and wind, Ill name it after you. His prime ministership ended with his resignation from parliament on a point of political principle. He recontested and won his seat at a by-election, the only federal MP to do so. He remained a strong anti-protectionist, falling out with another ex PM Alfred Deakin over the issue. Reid resigned again from Parliament in 1909 and in 1910 became Australias first High Commissioner to the UK. He was popular in Britain and entered Parliament there in 1916, serving until his death in 1918.
Posted on: Thu, 15 Jan 2015 22:03:46 +0000
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