SCADDON, JOHN (1876-1934), premier of Western Australia,

was born at Moonta, South Australia, on 4 August 1876. His family removed to Eaglehawk, Victoria, where he was educated at the local state school. He became a miner until 1896, when he went to Western Australia, and, while working as a miner at Kalgoorlie qualified as an engine-driver. In 1904 he was elected to the legislative assembly as a Labour member and held the seat for 12 years usually unopposed. In 1910 he became leader of the Labour party which obtained a large majority at the 1911 general election. Scaddon then became premier and treasurer in a ministry which was in office for nearly five years. He was also minister of railways from November 1914. His vigorous policy included the establishment of a state shipping service, the purchase of the Perth tramways, and the erection of homes for workers. Defeated in July 1916 Scaddon became leader of the opposition, but left the Labour party over the conscription issue. In June 1917 he became minister for mines and railways in the Lefroy (q.v.) ministry, but lost his seat at an election held in July. Though not in parliament he was appointed colonial secretary and minister for railways in the Mitchell government in May 1919, a fortnight later was elected a member of the legislative assembly, and exchanged the portfolio of colonial secretary for those of mines, industries and forests. After being five years in office he retired from politics for six years. He re-entered the house as a nationalist candidate in 1930, and was minister for mines and railways in the Mitchell government until 1933. He died suddenly at Perth on 22 November 1934. He was made a C.M.G. in 1924. He married in 1904, Miss H. E. Edwards, who survived him with a son and daughter. He was a forceful speaker, a tactful leader, and a good administrator.