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William John Evans (1856–1914)

Mr W. J. [William John] Evans MLC for the North Province, and leader of the Labour party in the Legislative Council, died at his residence at Surrey Hills on Saturday night after a short illness. He contracted a cold and pneumonia supervened.

Mr Evans began his life as a grocer's boy in Ballarat and later when his parents moved to Melbourne he joined the railways service as a carriage cleaner. He then advanced to fireman and engine-driver. He was elected secretary of the Locomotive Enginemen's Association but retired because of ill health. At the conclusion of the railways strike his services were again called upon to reorganise the association. Under the Separate Representation Act he was elected to represent the public servants in the Upper House. When the act was repealed Mr Evans captured the North Province seat which he held until his death. Mr Evans was Attorney General and Minister for Health in Mr Elmslie's short lived Cabinet.

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Citation details

'Evans, William John (1856–1914)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/evans-william-john-32756/text40725, accessed 8 October 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

William Evans, n.d.

William Evans, n.d.

Labor Call (Melbourne), 27 August 1914, p 3

Life Summary [details]

Birth

18 April, 1856
Ballarat, Victoria, Australia

Death

22 August, 1914 (aged 58)
Surrey Hills, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Cause of Death

pneumonia

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