Vaiben Louis Solomon facts for kids

Vaiben Louis Solomon (born May 13, 1853 – died October 20, 1908) was an important political figure in Australia. He served as the 21st Premier of South Australia for a short time and was also a member of the very first Australian Commonwealth Parliament. He was often called by his full name, Vaiben Louis Solomon.

Quick facts for kids The Honourable Vaiben Louis Solomon
21st Premier of South Australia
In office 1 December 1899 – 8 December 1899
Monarch	Victoria
Governor	Sir Thomas Buxton
Preceded by	Charles Kingston
Succeeded by	Frederick Holder
13th Leader of the Opposition (SA)
In office 1899–1899
Preceded by	John Downer
Succeeded by	Frederick Holder
In office 1899–1901
Preceded by	Frederick Holder
Succeeded by	Robert Homburg
Member of the Australian Parliament for South Australia
In office 30 March 1901 – 16 December 1903 Serving with Lee Batchelor, Langdon Bonython, Paddy Glynn, Frederick Holder, Charles Kingston, Alexander Poynton
Preceded by	New seat
Succeeded by	Division abolished
Personal details
Born	(1853-05-13)13 May 1853 Adelaide, South Australia
Died	20 October 1908(1908-10-20) (aged 55)
Political party	Conservatives Free Trade (1901–03)

Early Life and Adventures

Vaiben Louis Solomon was born in Adelaide, South Australia. His father, Judah Moss Solomon, was also a well-known politician. He was a member of the South Australian Legislative Council and even the Lord Mayor of Adelaide.

Vaiben went to school in Adelaide and then in Melbourne. After school, he worked in different businesses. He even worked in a shop in Kapunda where he became good at acting in plays.

Moving to the Northern Territory

In 1873, Vaiben moved to the Northern Territory. This was a big adventure! There, he became the editor of a newspaper called the Northern Territory Times. He also had success in mining and business.

He opened his own shop, "Solomon's Emporium," which did very well. He became an auctioneer too. Vaiben was a very important person in the Northern Territory. He even helped start Palmerston's (now Darwin) first local council in 1874. He later became its leader.

Political Career

Vaiben Solomon began his political journey in 1890. He was elected to the South Australian House of Assembly for the Electoral district of Northern Territory. At that time, the Northern Territory was part of South Australia.

A Short Time as Premier

Vaiben faced some money problems and resigned from his role in 1891. But his supporters wanted him back, and he was re-elected. He became the government whip and then the Leader of the Opposition in 1899.

He became the Premier of South Australia and the Treasurer for just one week! This was from December 1 to December 8, 1899. Because his time as Premier was so short, people sometimes called him "Sudden Solomon."

Vaiben Louis Solomon at the 1897–1898 Australasian Federal Convention.

Joining the First Federal Parliament

Vaiben Solomon played a part in shaping Australia's future. He was a member of the conventions that helped create the Australian Constitution in 1897 and 1898.

In 1901, he was elected to the very first Australian federal Parliament. He represented the Division of South Australia as a member of the Free Trade Party. He later returned to the South Australian House of Assembly in 1905.

Vaiben Louis Solomon holds two special records. He was South Australia's only Jewish Premier. He also served the shortest time as Premier. He passed away in 1908 from cancer.

Honoring His Legacy

Vaiben Louis Solomon is remembered in Australia. The Hundred of Solomon in South Australia is named after him. Also, the Electoral Division of Solomon in the Northern Territory carries his name.

His Family

Vaiben Louis Solomon had a family that also achieved great things. He married Mary Ann Wigzell in 1880. After she passed away, he married Alice Cohen in 1896. They lived in Medindie, South Australia.

His children included:

• Mary Danks Solomon (born 1881) was recognized for her bravery.
• Vaiben Louis "Vaib" Solomon (born 1897) became a famous humorous writer. He even wrote a musical!
• Esther Solomon MBE (born 1900) was a pioneer for women in politics. She was the first woman elected to the Adelaide City Council. She also served two terms as Deputy Mayor.
• Elizabeth Laura "Betty" Solomon (born 1908).

Vaiben also adopted his first wife's son, Harrie Walter Bridgland (born 1879). Harrie was a champion swimmer, and his son, Walter Lewis Bridgland, later became the Lord Mayor of Adelaide.

See also

• Solomon Ministry
• List of Jewish members of the Australian parliament