Background
Howe was born in Forfar, Forfarshire, Scotland, the son of James H. Howe and his wife Elizabeth, née Inverwick.
Howe was born in Forfar, Forfarshire, Scotland, the son of James H. Howe and his wife Elizabeth, née Inverwick.
Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration and Commissioner of Public Works at different times from 1885 to 1893. Howe was member for Stanley in the South Australian House of Assembly from 27 April 1881 to 1 April 1884. And member for Gladstone 2 April 1884 to 24 April 1896.
Howe was Commissioner of Public Works in the John Downer Ministry from June 1885 to June 1887.
He was also Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration in this period, when animosity between him and Professor Custance of Roseworthy Agricultural College resulted in the latter"s summary dismissal. He resumed the Crown Lands and Immigration portfolio in the Cockburn cabinet from June 1889 until May 1890, when he succeeded Thomas Burgoyne as Minister of Lands, holding that office till July 1890, when he resigned.
Howe was elected to the South Australian Legislative Council for Northern District on 22 May 1897 and held that seat until 5 April 1918.
He was a member of the Caledonian Society of South Australia, and its Chief 1886–1887.