Elliott Lewis (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir
Neil Elliott Lewis
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| 19th Premier of Tasmania | |
| In office 12 October 1899 – 9 April 1903 |
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| Preceded by | Edward Braddon |
| Succeeded by | William Propsting |
| Constituency | Richmond |
| In office 19 June 1909 – 9 October 1909 |
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| Preceded by | John Evans |
| Succeeded by | John Earle |
| In office 27 October 1909 – 14 June 1912 |
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| Preceded by | John Earle |
| Succeeded by | Albert Solomon |
| Constituency | Denison |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 27 October 1858 Hobart Town, Tasmania |
| Died | 22 September 1935 (aged 76) Hobart, Tasmania, Australia |
| Spouse | Lina Henrietta Youl |
| Alma mater | Balliol College, Oxford |
Sir Neil Elliott Lewis (27 October 1858 – 22 September 1935) was an important Australian politician. He served as the Premier of Tasmania three times. He was also part of the very first Australian national government, led by Edmund Barton.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Neil Elliott Lewis was born in Hobart, Tasmania. His father, Neil Lewis, was a merchant.
He went to the Hobart High School. He was a very good student and won a special scholarship from Tasmania. This allowed him to study at Balliol College, which is part of Oxford University in England. He earned several degrees there, including one in law. In 1883, he became a lawyer in London. He then returned to Tasmania in 1885 and started his own law practice.
Political Career Highlights
Lewis was first elected to the Tasmanian House of Assembly (Tasmania's parliament) in 1886. He stayed a member of parliament until 1903. During this time, he often disagreed with other politicians who had different ideas.
From 1892 to 1894, he worked in the government as the Attorney-General. This meant he was the main legal advisor to the government. After that, he became the Leader of the Opposition from 1894 to 1899. This role meant he led the main political party that was not in power.
Lewis strongly believed that the Australian colonies should unite to form one country. He even helped represent Tasmania at important meetings about this in 1897 and 1898.
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In October 1899, Lewis became the Premier of Tasmania. This meant he was the leader of the state government. He worked to help Tasmania's industries and find new places to sell their goods.
In January 1901, he was appointed as a Minister in Australia's very first national government. This government was led by Edmund Barton. It's interesting to note that Lewis never actually became a member of the national parliament himself. He and Sir James Dickson are the only people to have held a national government job without being elected to the national parliament.
Later Political Life
In the 1903 state election, Lewis lost his seat in parliament. This was the only time a Tasmanian Premier has been defeated in an election. He tried again in 1906 but didn't win. However, in 1909, he won a seat for the area of Denison. He served in parliament for another 13 years.
Lewis became Premier of Tasmania again in 1909, and then for a third time from 1909 to 1912. During these times, he also served as the Attorney-General.
After leaving politics in 1922, he took on other important roles. He was the Lieutenant-Governor of Tasmania from 1933 to 1935. He was also the first president of the Tasmanian Amateur Athletic Association. He also held important positions at the University of Tasmania, serving as vice-chancellor and later chancellor.
When he passed away in 1935, he was the last living head of government from the Victorian era who had led a self-governing colony.
Honours and Family
Lewis received several special honours for his service. In 1901, he was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG). The next year, he was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG). This is why he is known as "Sir" Neil Elliott Lewis.
In 1896, he married Lina Henrietta Youl. They had two sons together.
