Sir Walter Hartwell James

Description

Biographical informationWalter Hartwell James was born at Perth in 1863 and educated at Perth High School. After studying law in England he was admitted to the West Australian Bar in 1888 and became a K.C. in 1902.

James was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1894 and remained a member until 1904. In 1901 he was Minister without portfolio and in 1902 became Premier and Attorney-General until the defeat of his ministry in 1904. During his period in office he sponsored the University Endowment Bill, whereby over 4,000 acres of land were vested in trustees as endowment for a future University.

In 1909 James was a member of the Royal Commission appointed to inquire into the establishment of a University in Perth. He was an original member of Senate and held office for 27 years. He became Pro-Chancellor in 1929 and was Chancellor from 1930 until 1936. The Honorary degree of LL.D. was conferred upon him on his retirement. He had been knighted in 1906 and created KCMG in 1936. He died at Perth in 1943.

James Oval on UWA Crawley Campus is named in his honour.Honorifics (Titles)SirPost-nominalsKCKCMGHon.LLDDate of birth29 March 1863Date of death3 January 1943

4397P - Photographic Portrait - Sir Walter James

Connections

Is referenced byPersonalities and places on Crawley CampusRelated collectionFormer ChancellorsFormer Pro-Chancellors

Item information

Source of informationhttps://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/james-sir-walter-hartwell-6824

UWA Collected

Sir Walter Hartwell James

THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA