Career
The Honorary He held a number of ministerial positions including Colonial Secretary
Matthews was born in Rylstone, New South Wales He was the son of a foreman and was educated at Petersham High School. He worked with the New South Wales Railways as a labourer and became an official of the Federated Ironworkers" Association. Matthews was elected as the Labor member for Leichhardt at the 1934 by-election caused by the resignation of the sitting member Joe Lamaro who unsuccessfully contested the seat of Watson at the 1934 federal election.
He retained the seat for the next 7 elections.
He committed suicide while still in office in 1954. Matthews held ministerial positions in the government of James McGirr.
He held the positions of Minister for Building Materials and Minister for Tourism and Immigration before becoming Colonial Secretary between 1949 and 1950.