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George Houstoun ReidAustralian politician, fourth Prime Minister of the country.
Date of Birth: 25.02.1845
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Biography of George Houston Reid
- Education and Early Career
- Family Background
- Political Career
- Marriage and Later Years
Biography of George Houston Reid
George Houston Reid was an Australian politician and the fourth Prime Minister of the country. He was born on February 25, 1845, in Johnstone, Renfrewshire, Scotland.
Education and Early Career
Reid attended the Melbourne Academy and later moved to Sydney, where he began working as a clerk at the age of 13. In 1864, he was appointed as an assistant accountant in the Colonial Treasury, where he worked for 14 years. During this time, he studied law and obtained a diploma in 1879. He was then transferred to the office of the Attorney-General.
Family Background
George Houston Reid was one of the seven children of Reverend John Reid and Marion Crabb. They moved to Melbourne in 1852 along with other Presbyterian families who followed Reverend Lang.
Political Career
Reid's political career spanned from 1880 to 1910. For the first twenty years, he was actively involved in the political scene of New South Wales, serving as Premier for five years. He then moved to the federal level, where he spent most of his time as the leader of the opposition. After retiring from active politics, Reid represented Australia as a Commissioner in London for six years, becoming the first person to hold that position in 1910. From 1916, Reid occupied a seat in the British House of Commons.
Marriage and Later Years
In 1891, Reid married Flora Bramble, and they had three children together. Flora Reid actively supported the country's armed forces during World War I and was one of the first women to be awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1917.
In his political career, George Houston Reid was known for his support of free trade. During his tenure as Prime Minister, he introduced several significant acts, including the Conciliation and Arbitration Act of 1904. Reid resigned from his position as Prime Minister on July 5, 1905, after losing support from protectionists.
George Houston Reid left a lasting impact on Australian politics and is remembered as one of the influential figures in the country's history.
