Hector Rason facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Hector Rason
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| 7th Premier of Western Australia | |
| In office 25 August 1905 – 7 May 1906 |
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| Monarch | Edward VII |
| Governor | Sir Frederick Bedford |
| Preceded by | Henry Daglish |
| Succeeded by | Sir Newton Moore |
| Constituency | South Murchison (1897–1901), Guildford (1901–1906) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 18 June 1858 Cleeve, Somerset, England |
| Died | 15 March 1927 (aged 68) Beckenham, Kent, England |
| Political party | Unaligned |
| Spouse | Mary E. Terry |
Sir Cornthwaite Hector William James Rason (born 18 June 1858 – died 15 March 1927), known as Hector Rason, was an important leader in Western Australia. He served as the seventh Premier of Western Australia, which is like being the head of the state government.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Hector Rason was born in Cleeve, Somerset, England, on 18 June 1858. His father, Cornthwaite Hector Rason Senior, was a doctor in the Royal Navy. His father also worked as a doctor in York, Western Australia, for a short time.
Young Hector went to private schools in England. He studied in places like Eastbourne, Brighton, and Reading. After finishing school, he started his career working as a clerk for a railway company.
Starting a Business Career
In October 1880, Hector Rason moved to Perth, Australia. However, he went back to England after about 18 months. In February 1883, he married Mary E. Terry. Soon after, they both returned to Western Australia with Mary's brother, W. R. Terry.
Rason and Terry opened shops together. They were storekeepers in towns like Toodyay and Guildford. After a few years, Terry returned to England. Rason then partnered with another person, Mr. Webster. They tried to make money from the gold rushes happening in the Kimberley and Goldfields areas.
Rason also spent time in Coolgardie. There, he worked as a mining engineer and an auctioneer. He stopped his business activities in 1891. From 1893 to 1895, he continued as a mining agent and auctioneer in Coolgardie. In 1896, he moved to Mount Magnet. Before entering state politics, Rason was the Mayor of Guildford from 1897 to 1898.
Entering Politics
Hector Rason began his political journey in January 1889. He was elected to the Western Australian Legislative Council for the Swan district. He strongly supported the idea of responsible government for Western Australia. This meant the local government would have more control over its own affairs. He left the Council in October 1890 after this new system was put in place.
In 1897, Rason was elected to the Western Australian Legislative Assembly. He represented the South Murchison area. He supported the government led by Sir John Forrest. In 1898, he was chosen to lead a special committee called a royal commission that looked into mining.
The South Murchison area's seat was removed in 1901. Rason then won the Guildford seat in the elections of April 1901. When George Leake formed his government in December 1901, Rason became the Minister for Works. In this role, he was in charge of the important Coolgardie Water Scheme. This scheme brought water to the goldfields.
Under Walter James' leadership from July 1902 to August 1904, Rason was the Minister for Works and Railways. He also served as the Treasurer for a few months in 1904. After the Labor party took power in August 1904, Rason became the Leader of the Opposition. This meant he led the main party not in government.
Becoming Premier
Hector Rason became the Premier of Western Australia on 25 August 1905. He also took on the roles of Treasurer and Minister for Justice. This happened after the previous Labor government, led by Henry Daglish, was defeated.
Like Daglish, Rason's government did not have a clear majority of support. However, he was allowed to call an early election in October. He easily won this election, gaining strong support from the public. Later that year, he led another royal commission, this time focusing on immigration.
Later Life and Legacy
As Premier, Rason faced personal challenges. In May 1906, he decided to become the Agent General for Western Australia in London. This role meant he represented Western Australia in England. He resigned as Premier to take up this new position, which caused some discussion at the time.
He held the Agent General post until 1911. After that, he continued his business career in Britain. In 1909, he was given the title of Knight Bachelor, which meant he was called "Sir Hector Rason." He passed away in Beckenham, Kent, England, on 15 March 1927.
