Thomas Waddell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Waddell
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| 15th Premier of New South Wales | |
| In office 15 June 1904 – 29 August 1904 |
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| Preceded by | Sir John See |
| Succeeded by | Joseph Carruthers |
| Constituency | Cowra |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1 January 1854 County Monaghan, Ireland |
| Died | 25 October 1940 (aged 86) Ashfield, New South Wales, Australia |
| Political party | Progressive Party |
| Spouse | Elizabeth James |
| Children | 3(m), 4(f) |
Thomas Waddell (born January 1, 1854 – died October 25, 1940) was an important Australian politician. He was a member of the New South Wales Parliament for many years, from 1887 to 1917. For a short time in 1904, he was the premier of New South Wales, which is like being the leader of the state government. His time as Premier, just 75 days, was the shortest of any New South Wales Premier. He also served in the upper house of parliament, the New South Wales Legislative Council, from 1917 to 1934.
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Early Life
Thomas Waddell was born in County Monaghan, Ireland. He was only a few months old when his family brought him to Australia. He grew up near Lake George in New South Wales, which is northeast of Canberra.
He went to school at Collector public school and later at George Metcalfe's High School in Goulburn. When he was 15, he started working in a shop. After that, he became a clerk at the Collector Court.
In 1876, he began selling cattle and horses. He even spent some time in western Queensland near Cooper Creek. Thomas and his brother George bought three large farms, called "stations," in far western New South Wales. They managed these farms for five years. Then, they sold them during a time when land prices were very high in the 1880s.
Political Career
Starting in Parliament
In February 1887, Thomas Waddell was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. This is the main part of the New South Wales Parliament where laws are made. He represented the area of Bourke. In May 1887, he married Elizabeth James from Orange.
He lost his seat in the July 1891 election. However, he won it back in a special election, called a by-election, later that year. He then represented different areas, including Cobar from 1894 and Cowra from 1898.
Becoming Premier
In April 1901, Thomas Waddell became the Colonial Treasurer in the government led by John See. As Treasurer, he was in charge of the government's money. He managed this job well, even during difficult times.
When John See resigned in June 1904, he suggested that Paddy Crick should become the next Premier. However, the Governor, Sir Harry Rawson, had concerns about Crick's suitability for the role. Instead, Governor Rawson asked Thomas Waddell to become Premier.
After the Premiership
Just two months after becoming Premier, Waddell's government faced a general election. He won his own seat again, which was now called Belubula. However, his Progressive Party lost many seats to Joseph Carruthers' Liberal Reform Party.
Because of this loss, Thomas Waddell stopped being Premier on August 29, 1904. He also stopped being Colonial Treasurer and Justice Minister. The Labor Party then became the main opposition party.
Waddell tried to keep the Progressive Party together. But in May 1907, he accepted an offer to become Colonial Secretary in Carruthers' government. The Progressive Party broke apart after the September 1907 election.
When Charles Wade became Premier in October 1907, Waddell again became the Colonial Treasurer. He held this job until the government lost the 1910 election to James McGowen's Labor Party. As Treasurer, he lowered income tax and removed stamp duty.
He remained a member for Belubula until 1917. Then, he served in the New South Wales Legislative Council, which is another part of the parliament, from 1917 to 1934.
Later Life and Legacy
Thomas Waddell passed away in Ashfield on October 25, 1940. He was survived by his wife, three sons, and four daughters.
Two of his nephews also became members of parliament. John Waddell was a member of the Legislative Assembly from 1932 to 1939. Sir Graham Waddell was a member of the Legislative Council from 1937 to 1949.
