Henry Barwell
Encyclopedia
Sir Henry Newman Barwell KCMG (26 February 187730 September 1959) was the 28th Premier of South Australia.
Born in Adelaide
, South Australia
, Barwell was educated at St Peter's College
and Adelaide University, graduating in law. Admitted to the bar in 1899, Barwell built a successful legal practice where he specialised in defending murder suspects and became a prominent figure in the Adelaide Establishment. In 1902, he married Anne Webb in Clare
and together they had one son and three daughters.
Barwell entered the South Australian House of Assembly
in 1915 as the Liberal Union
member for the seat of Stanley. In parliament he quickly became known both as an uncompromising conservative and as a likely future premier. He defended the restricted franchise of the South Australian Legislative Council
, arguing that the Australian Labor Party
should not be allowed to gain control "over the capital that employs labor, and over the superior intellect that governs that labor".
In 1917, Barwell was made Attorney-General and Minister for Industry in Archibald Peake
's cabinet and was forced to deal with the deteriorating relationship between the urban and rural constituencies of the Liberal Union, which worsened with the creation of the Country Party
in 1919, taking many of the Liberal Union's supporters with it. Peake died soon after and Barwell became Premier of South Australia on 8 April 1920. Despite voter antipathy against Barwell over his abrasive and sometimes tactless political style, the Liberal Union was nonetheless returned to office at the 1921 election
, with Barwell retaining the Premiership.
Never one to shy away from controversy, Barwell publicly advocated the importation of coloured labour into tropical Australia, contrary to the White Australia policy
which at the time had unanimous support. Barwell argued that northern Australia had proven unsuitable for white settlement and only the large scale importation of "selected Asiatics working as coolie labour under indenture to white men" would help develop the region as they were the only race suited to such conditions. This was heresy for many Australians, particularly those in the opposition Labor Party, for which the White Australia Policy was historically a central plank in their policy platform. Labor politicians treated Barwell with undisguised contempt for the rest of his career, referring to him as "Black Barwell".
Recognising the need to improve South Australia's railways
, Barwell authorised significant expenditure on laying new tracks, the purchase of new trains (which became known as "Barwell Bulls") and on the construction of the grand Adelaide Railway Station
. Unfortunately, the rising popularity of the automobile left many of Barwell's rail projects obsolete as soon as they were completed.
In 1922 Barwell announced the "South Australian Farm Apprenticeship Scheme", which undertook the ambitious target of arranging the immigration of 6000 young men and boys from England
to cover the 6000 South Australian World War I
casualties. He travelled to England to personally oversee the recruitment of what became known as the "Barwell Boys". Widespread unemployment in England led 14000 boys, mainly aged between 15 and 17, to apply for the scheme. While the eventual number of Barwell Boys numbered only 1700, the scheme was considered a great success, with many of the émigrés playing significant roles in the development of South Australia.
While in London, Barwell was made a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George
(KCMG) in the Birthday Honours
List of 1922. He returned to South Australia to find that he and his government were becoming increasingly unpopular due to his policies of small government and wage restraints and lingering resentment over his earlier comments on importing coloured labour.
Barwell lost the 1924 election
to the John Gunn
led Labor Party and, after briefly acting as Opposition Leader, resigned from state parliament, seeking a seat in the Australian House of Representatives
with a view to becoming Prime Minister
. None were immediately forthcoming and instead he was forced to settle for the Senate
vacancy caused by the death of Senator James O'Loughlin
in 1925.
Sitting with the Nationalist Party of Australia
, Barwell served in the Senate until 1928, often clashing with his party colleagues due to his outspokenness and independent mind. Realising that a move into the lower house was now a forlorn hope
, Barwell resigned from the Senate to accept the posting of South Australian Agent General in London
. He served in this position until 1933, helping to prepare opinion for the Ottawa Agreement and for the closer collaboration of the various parts of the British Empire
. Described by The Times
as a "strong Imperialist with a practical outlook", Barwell was a firm believer in reciprocal trade between members of the Empire.
After the completion of his term as Agent General, Barwell remained in London, entering into various business interests before eventually returning to Adelaide in 1940, where he unsuccessfully stood for pre-selection in his old seat of Stanley. Growing increasingly deaf, Barwell served as Deputy Chairman of the South Australian Housing Trust for fifteen years until his death in 1959 from cerebrovascular disease
.
Born in Adelaide
Adelaide
Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia and the fifth-largest city in Australia. Adelaide has an estimated population of more than 1.2 million...
, South Australia
South Australia
South Australia is a state of Australia in the southern central part of the country. It covers some of the most arid parts of the continent; with a total land area of , it is the fourth largest of Australia's six states and two territories.South Australia shares borders with all of the mainland...
, Barwell was educated at St Peter's College
St Peter's College, Adelaide
St Peter's College, , is an independent boy's school in the South Australian capital of Adelaide...
and Adelaide University, graduating in law. Admitted to the bar in 1899, Barwell built a successful legal practice where he specialised in defending murder suspects and became a prominent figure in the Adelaide Establishment. In 1902, he married Anne Webb in Clare
Clare, South Australia
The town of Clare is located in South Australia in the Mid North region, 136 km north of Adelaide. It gives its name to the Clare Valley wine and tourist region.-History:One of the first settlers in the area was John Horrocks, in 1839...
and together they had one son and three daughters.
Barwell entered the South Australian House of Assembly
South Australian House of Assembly
The House of Assembly, or lower house, is one of the two chambers of the Parliament of South Australia. The other is the Legislative Council. It sits in Parliament House in the state capital, Adelaide.- Overview :...
in 1915 as the Liberal Union
Liberal Union (Australia)
The Liberal Union was a political party resulting from a merger between the Liberal and Democratic Union and the conservatives in South Australia. It lasted from 1910 to 1922 when it became the Liberal Federation....
member for the seat of Stanley. In parliament he quickly became known both as an uncompromising conservative and as a likely future premier. He defended the restricted franchise of the South Australian Legislative Council
South Australian Legislative Council
The Legislative Council, or upper house, is one of the two chambers of the Parliament of South Australia. Its central purpose is to act as a house of review for legislation passed through the lower house, the House of Assembly...
, arguing that the Australian Labor Party
Australian Labor Party
The Australian Labor Party is an Australian political party. It has been the governing party of the Commonwealth of Australia since the 2007 federal election. Julia Gillard is the party's federal parliamentary leader and Prime Minister of Australia...
should not be allowed to gain control "over the capital that employs labor, and over the superior intellect that governs that labor".
In 1917, Barwell was made Attorney-General and Minister for Industry in Archibald Peake
Archibald Peake
Archibald Henry Peake was an Australian politician and the 25th Premier of South Australia, serving on three separate occasions in the 1910s.-Early life and career:...
's cabinet and was forced to deal with the deteriorating relationship between the urban and rural constituencies of the Liberal Union, which worsened with the creation of the Country Party
National Party of Australia
The National Party of Australia is an Australian political party.Traditionally representing graziers, farmers and rural voters generally, it began as the The Country Party, but adopted the name The National Country Party in 1975, changed to The National Party of Australia in 1982. The party is...
in 1919, taking many of the Liberal Union's supporters with it. Peake died soon after and Barwell became Premier of South Australia on 8 April 1920. Despite voter antipathy against Barwell over his abrasive and sometimes tactless political style, the Liberal Union was nonetheless returned to office at the 1921 election
South Australian state election, 1921
State elections were held in Australia on 9 April 1921. All 46 seats in the South Australian House of Assembly were up for election. The incumbent Liberal Union government led by Premier of South Australia Henry Barwell defeated the opposition Australian Labor Party led by Leader of the Opposition...
, with Barwell retaining the Premiership.
Never one to shy away from controversy, Barwell publicly advocated the importation of coloured labour into tropical Australia, contrary to the White Australia policy
White Australia policy
The White Australia policy comprises various historical policies that intentionally restricted "non-white" immigration to Australia. From origins at Federation in 1901, the polices were progressively dismantled between 1949-1973....
which at the time had unanimous support. Barwell argued that northern Australia had proven unsuitable for white settlement and only the large scale importation of "selected Asiatics working as coolie labour under indenture to white men" would help develop the region as they were the only race suited to such conditions. This was heresy for many Australians, particularly those in the opposition Labor Party, for which the White Australia Policy was historically a central plank in their policy platform. Labor politicians treated Barwell with undisguised contempt for the rest of his career, referring to him as "Black Barwell".
Recognising the need to improve South Australia's railways
Rail transport in South Australia
The first railway in colonial South Australia was a horse-drawn tramway from the port of Goolwa on the Murray River to an ocean harbour at Port Elliot in 1854...
, Barwell authorised significant expenditure on laying new tracks, the purchase of new trains (which became known as "Barwell Bulls") and on the construction of the grand Adelaide Railway Station
Adelaide Railway Station
Adelaide Railway Station is the central terminus of the Adelaide Metro railway system. It is at on the north side of North Terrace, west of Parliament House. The Adelaide Casino is in part of the building that is no longer required for the station....
. Unfortunately, the rising popularity of the automobile left many of Barwell's rail projects obsolete as soon as they were completed.
In 1922 Barwell announced the "South Australian Farm Apprenticeship Scheme", which undertook the ambitious target of arranging the immigration of 6000 young men and boys from England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
to cover the 6000 South Australian World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
casualties. He travelled to England to personally oversee the recruitment of what became known as the "Barwell Boys". Widespread unemployment in England led 14000 boys, mainly aged between 15 and 17, to apply for the scheme. While the eventual number of Barwell Boys numbered only 1700, the scheme was considered a great success, with many of the émigrés playing significant roles in the development of South Australia.
Order of St Michael and St George
The Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George is an order of chivalry founded on 28 April 1818 by George, Prince Regent, later George IV of the United Kingdom, while he was acting as Prince Regent for his father, George III....
(KCMG) in the Birthday Honours
British honours system
The British honours system is a means of rewarding individuals' personal bravery, achievement, or service to the United Kingdom and the British Overseas Territories...
List of 1922. He returned to South Australia to find that he and his government were becoming increasingly unpopular due to his policies of small government and wage restraints and lingering resentment over his earlier comments on importing coloured labour.
Barwell lost the 1924 election
South Australian state election, 1924
State elections were held in Australia on 5 April 1924. All 46 seats in the South Australian House of Assembly were up for election. The incumbent Liberal Federation government led by Premier of South Australia Henry Barwell was defeated by the opposition Australian Labor Party led by Leader of the...
to the John Gunn
John Gunn (Australian politician)
John Gunn was the 29th Premier of South Australia.Gunn was born in Bendigo, Victoria, the second of nine children to a Scottish miner and his wife...
led Labor Party and, after briefly acting as Opposition Leader, resigned from state parliament, seeking a seat in the Australian House of Representatives
Australian House of Representatives
The House of Representatives is one of the two houses of the Parliament of Australia; it is the lower house; the upper house is the Senate. Members of Parliament serve for terms of approximately three years....
with a view to becoming Prime Minister
Prime Minister of Australia
The Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia is the highest minister of the Crown, leader of the Cabinet and Head of Her Majesty's Australian Government, holding office on commission from the Governor-General of Australia. The office of Prime Minister is, in practice, the most powerful...
. None were immediately forthcoming and instead he was forced to settle for the Senate
Australian Senate
The Senate is the upper house of the bicameral Parliament of Australia, the lower house being the House of Representatives. Senators are popularly elected under a system of proportional representation. Senators are elected for a term that is usually six years; after a double dissolution, however,...
vacancy caused by the death of Senator James O'Loughlin
James O'Loghlin (Australian politician)
James Vincent O'Loghlin was an Australian politician. Born in Gumeracha, South Australia, he was educated at the Classical and Commercial Academy in Adelaide before becoming a farmer and wheat buyer. Later a journalist and owner of country newspapers, he was active in Irish nationalist organisations...
in 1925.
Sitting with the Nationalist Party of Australia
Nationalist Party of Australia
The Nationalist Party of Australia was an Australian political party. It was formed on 17 February 1917 from a merger between the conservative Commonwealth Liberal Party and the National Labor Party, the name given to the pro-conscription defectors from the Australian Labor Party led by Prime...
, Barwell served in the Senate until 1928, often clashing with his party colleagues due to his outspokenness and independent mind. Realising that a move into the lower house was now a forlorn hope
Forlorn hope
A forlorn hope is a band of soldiers or other combatants chosen to take the leading part in a military operation, such as an assault on a defended position, where the risk of casualties is high....
, Barwell resigned from the Senate to accept the posting of South Australian Agent General in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. He served in this position until 1933, helping to prepare opinion for the Ottawa Agreement and for the closer collaboration of the various parts of the British Empire
British Empire
The British Empire comprised the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom. It originated with the overseas colonies and trading posts established by England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. At its height, it was the...
. Described by The Times
The Times
The Times is a British daily national newspaper, first published in London in 1785 under the title The Daily Universal Register . The Times and its sister paper The Sunday Times are published by Times Newspapers Limited, a subsidiary since 1981 of News International...
as a "strong Imperialist with a practical outlook", Barwell was a firm believer in reciprocal trade between members of the Empire.
After the completion of his term as Agent General, Barwell remained in London, entering into various business interests before eventually returning to Adelaide in 1940, where he unsuccessfully stood for pre-selection in his old seat of Stanley. Growing increasingly deaf, Barwell served as Deputy Chairman of the South Australian Housing Trust for fifteen years until his death in 1959 from cerebrovascular disease
Cerebrovascular disease
Cerebrovascular disease is a group of brain dysfunctions related to disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain. Hypertension is the most important cause; it damages the blood vessel lining, endothelium, exposing the underlying collagen where platelets aggregate to initiate a repairing process...
.