William Hague

Background

Hague was born in Angaston, South Australia, a son of James Hague, Modern Language Association for Barossa 1890–1902, and educated at a private school in Angaston run by James Leonard.

Career

Later he founded the firm of West. Hague & Company, in which he retained the controlling interest until its sale in 1918. He served as chairman of the Angaston District Council and trustee of the institute. He was for many years a valued correspondent of "The Advertiser" at Angaston.

He was chairman of the Angaston Railway Opening Committee, believing that railways were essential in the development of the district.

He was also president of the Angaston Literary Society. In 1912 Hague was elected to the House of Assembly, where he represented the Barossa district for the Liberal Party, and held that seat ever since.

When his close friend the Honorary George Ritchie resigned the post of chairman of the Parliamentary Liberal Party to assume Ministerial office, Hague was elected in his stead, to the benefit to his party.

He smoothed many a political disturbance over with a few well-considered words.

He resigned this position, with that of chairman of the Railways Standing Committee, when he was appointed Commissioner of Public Works in 1920. In a rearrangement of portfolios some time later Mr. Hague became Treasurer of South Australia, in succession to George Ritchie, and Minister of Railways, and he did much to secure the stability of the finances of the State during an extremely difficult period.

He opposed discriminatory measures against settlers of German origin during World War I, and was a supporter of Indigenous Australians.

He died at his residence, "Kirami", Avenue Street, Millswood, South Australia.

Politics

In politics he was characterized as having an "extreme conscientiousness, allied to a sweet disposition", had a "commonsense, methodical turn of mind" and a "high sense of honor" and was held in high regard by political friends and opponents alike. He was not afraid to criticize fellow party members A. H. Peake and Sir Richard Butler.

Membership

He was an active member of the Angaston Agricultural Society, and served as secretary, during which time its annual Show became prominent in South Australia. In 1913 he became a member of the Railways Standing Committee, and held that post under successive Governments.

Connections

Partner:

East. Hague