The 11th Premier of Western Australia, serving from 1917 to 1919, known for his brief but significant tenure during World War I, implementing wartime measures and supporting the war effort.
Sir Henry Bruce Lefroy is remembered as the eleventh Premier of Western Australia, a position he held with distinction from 1917 to 1919. As a stalwart of Western Australian politics, Lefroy left an indelible mark on the state's history, shaping its development and growth during a pivotal period.
Born on 24 March 1854 in Perth, Western Australia, Lefroy was the son of Anthony O'Grady Lefroy, the Colonial Treasurer of Western Australia for over 30 years. His early education took place at Mrs. McKnight's School in Perth, followed by a sojourn in England, where he attended the Preparatory School at Exmouth, Elstree, and finally Rugby from 1868 to 1872.
Upon his return to Western Australia, Lefroy took over the management of his father's farm at Walebing, which he inherited in 1897. His foray into politics began with his election to the Victoria Plains Road Board in 1872, becoming its chairman in 1876, a position he held until 1897. He was also appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1874 and served on the local Board of Education.
Lefroy's entry into state politics came in 1892, when he was elected to the Western Australian Legislative Assembly seat of Moore in a by-election. He soon became Minister for Education in John Forrest's government in 1897, a portfolio he held until 1898, when he became Minister for Mines. After a brief interlude in London as the Agent-General for Western Australia from 1901 to 1904, Lefroy returned to Western Australia and unsuccessfully contested the Metropolitan-Suburban Province in the Western Australian Legislative Council.
In 1917, Lefroy was sworn in as the Premier of Western Australia, a position he held until 1919. During his tenure, he oversaw significant reforms and development projects, cementing his legacy as a visionary leader. Lefroy's contributions to Western Australia's growth and development are still felt today, earning him a place in the state's history books.
Lefroy married twice, first to Rose Agnes Wittenoom in 1880, with whom he had three sons and a daughter, and then to Madeleine Emily Stewart Walford in 1904, with whom he had two sons and a daughter. He was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in 1903, a testament to his dedication to public service.
Today, Sir Henry Bruce Lefroy's legacy as a pioneering figure in Western Australian politics continues to inspire generations, a testament to his vision, dedication, and leadership.
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First Premier of Western Australia, instrumental in the state's early development and exploration, known for his pioneering spirit and leadership.
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The 3rd Premier of Western Australia, serving from 1901 to 1902, known for his brief but significant tenure that laid the groundwork for the state's future development.
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The 6th Prime Minister of New Zealand, a pioneering figure in the country's early development, known for his role in shaping its governance and economy. He played a crucial part in the abolition of provincial governments, centralizing power and modernizing the nation.
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An Irish athlete who set a world record in the long jump in 1901 and was a pioneer for Irish athletics, known for his impressive jumping technique.
