Historical information

Sir William Irvine, (1858-1943) Eltham, Politician and Judge.

"William Irvine was born at Dromalene, Newry, Down, Ireland and after the death of his father emigrated to Melbourne with his mother in 1879. Here be completed his legal studies and spent some years teaching and in legal practice before entering the Victorian Parliament in 1894. He rose to the position of Leader of the Opposition and in 1902 became Premier. He resigned in 1904 for health reasons but in 1906 entered Federal politics as the member for Flinders. He was knighted in 1913 and in 1918 resigned to take up the position of Chief Justice of Victoria. From 1919 he administered the state as lieutenant-governor several times and was acting governor for nearly three years from 1931. He died in 1943 and following a State funeral was buried at Eltham cemetery. A portrait by Buckmaster won the Archibald Prize in 1933" - Newsletter 163

Physical description

Folder of information.