Obituaries Australia

Sir James Mitchell, 1930

State Library of Western Australia, b2108035

Western Australians in all walks of life as well as many primary producers throughout the Commonwealth were deeply grieved to learn of the death of Sir James Mitchell on 26th July at the age of 85.

Few men have enjoyed such widespread popularity as Sir James Mitchell, but whilst all who came in contact with him, during his long period of public life will remember his genial personality, the elder generation of producers will think of him as the statesman who did more than any other man of his time to open up Western Australia for agricultural development, particularly the wheat lands of the eastern districts.

Born in Bunbury in 1866, Sir James Mitchell quickly developed a keen interest in agriculture which remained undiminished until his death. Entering political life at an early age, he was elected to the State Parliament, and distinguished himself as a Minister for Agriculture. He was also Premier for two periods.

In 1933 he was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of WA., and in 1948 was made Governor—a post he filled with ability and distinction and which he relinquished only a few weeks before his death.