William Cullen

Background

Cullen was born at Mount Johnston, near Jamberoo, New South Wales, the seventh son of John and Rebecca (née Clinton) Cullen.

Education

William Cullen graduated Bachelor of Arts with first class honours in classics in 1880, Master of Arts in 1882, Bachelor of Laws in 1885 and Doctor of Laws in 1887.

Career

Cullen was called to the bar in 1883 and his progress at first was slow. But, he eventually took high rank at the equity bar, and argued with much success before the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the High Court of Australia (an institution whose creation he had vigorously supported). He became a Knights of Columbus in 1905.

He was defeated at the 1894 election, and in 1895 was nominated to the New South Wales Legislative Council.

Cullen was a Federationist. In January 1910 he was appointed Chief Justice of New South Wales in succession to Sir Frederick Darley, and in March was appointed lieutenant-governor.

Cullen found much business awaiting him at the Supreme Court, but his great capacity for work soon cleared up the arrears. During his early days in the Legislative Council he introduced a bill embodying important reforms in the conduct of the university, although some of these were not brought into effect until many years after.

He was elected term after term as chancellor, and when he resigned on account of his health and his advanced age in December 1934, he had been in office for a longer period than any previous chancellor, during a time of great expansion.

Cullen retired from the chief justiceship in January 1925 but retained the position of lieutenant-governor until September 1930. He several times acted as governor during the absence of governors from the State or between appointments. He died at Leura on 6 April 1935.

R. H. Doctorate. White, who died in 1931.

He was knighted in 1911 and created Knight Commander of the Order of Street Michael and Saint George in 1912. Cullen was interested in literature, in the Australian flora (Eucalyptus cullenii was named for him), and in social and philanthropic movements.

He was a very sound equity and constitutional lawyer who as chief justice worthily upheld the traditions of his court. Cullen was courteous and considerate to juniors appearing before him, and could hold his own with the most experienced barristers.

He had great conscientiousness, excellent knowledge of the law and sound judgment, and consequently his judgments were seldom upset.

Achievements

• William was educated at country state schools, including Kiama, and the University of Sydney, where he won a scholarship. During his university career he won the University, Lithgow, Barker, and Renwick scholarships, and the John Smith prize.

Politics

Cullen entered politics in 1891 when he was elected a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly for Camden. Though not a strong party man, or even a politician by temperament, he was a useful member of the house who never spoke unless he could contribute something constructive to the debate.

Membership

A brother, Joseph Cullen, was a Member of Parliament for both New South Wales and Western Australia. His chief interest from his undergraduate days was the University of Sydney. He was elected a member of the university senate in 1896, vice-chancellor in 1908, and chancellor in 1914.