John Middleton (colonial administrator) facts for kids

Sir John Middleton (1870 – 1954) was an important British government official. He worked in different parts of the British Empire as a governor. A governor is like a leader or manager of a territory. He was in charge of places like the Falkland Islands, Gambia, and Newfoundland.

Sir John Middleton's Career

John Middleton started his career in the Colonial Office in 1901. This office helped manage Britain's territories around the world. He worked in southern Nigeria for six years. After that, he moved to Mauritius, an island nation, where he stayed until 1920.

In 1920, he was promoted to a higher role. He became the governor of the Falkland Islands. He served there from 1920 to 1927. Next, he became the governor of Gambia from 1927 to 1928. His final posting was as governor of Newfoundland from 1928 to 1932.

Governing Newfoundland

Sir John Middleton was the Governor of Newfoundland during a very difficult time. The world was going through the Great Depression. This was a period when many people lost their jobs and money. It made life very hard for people in Newfoundland.

In 1932, there were concerns about the government. People thought the Prime Minister of Newfoundland, Sir Richard Squires, might have changed official records. These records were about government decisions. Sir John Middleton was asked to look into these concerns. He investigated to see if there was any wrongdoing.

Middleton concluded that there was no clear sign of records being changed. However, many people were very upset about the situation. On April 5, 1932, a large crowd gathered outside his office. This gathering turned into a riot. The unrest helped lead to the end of the Squires government.

After his time in Newfoundland, Sir John Middleton retired from public service. He returned to England.

See also

• Governors of Newfoundland
• List of people of Newfoundland and Labrador