Biographical entry: Lee, Walter (1874 - 1963)

Born
1874
Longford, Tasmania, Australia
Died
1963
Occupation
Farmer and Politician

Summary

Walter Henry Lee, wheelwright, farmer and politician, was born at Longford. After leaving school, he went into his father's wheelwright business. He was the member for Wilmot in the House of Assembly, 1909-46, for non-Labor parties, first as an Anti-Socialist, then a Liberal, and later a Nationalist.

Details

He held many parliamentary positions, and was three times Premier: his record first term 1916-1922, in 1923 and 1934. Lee was hampered by post-war economic difficulties such as low-level manufacturing, severe inflation and a large deficit which the promotion of new industries, hydro-electric power and the popular soldier settlement scheme were unable to counteract. He was known as an excellent debater - particularly in his ability to ridicule the opposition. He lost his seat in 1946.

Wendy Rimon