William Morrow

Background

William Morrow was born in Bairnsdale, Victoria in 1872, and had early experience as a "printer"s devil" and machine operator.

Career

In 1899 he built new premises at the corner of Ellen and David streets, where the Commonwealth Bank and other businesses were later situated. He sold his business to H. West. "Bert" Overland and left Portuguese Pirie in 1915. Morrow was elected councillor for North Ward of Portuguese Pirie Council in 1904, and he was appointed mayor in December 1909, M. L. Warren succeeding him as councillor.

He stood for the Assembly seat of Stanley (which then included Portuguese Pirie) at the election of February 1912.

Three members were required, and his two fellow Liberal candidates were H. North. Barwell and Elliot McDonald. With Harry Jackson, Clarence Goode and West. J. C. Cole standing for Labor.

The election was fiercely fought, and the results were close: Jackson, 6,106. Goode, 6,092; Cole, 5,811.

McDonald, 5,708; Barwell, 5,647.

Morrow, 5,613. One of the candidates (McDonald) suggested the that inefficient scrutiny and vote counting had helped ensure Labor"s victory. He was instrumental in the rise to power of Sir Henry Barwell, but was chagrined when, on a visit to London, that same gentleman, then Agent-General, gave him the cold shoulder.

He took many trips overseas both for pleasure and on church business, his first visit to the Old Country and America being made in 1905, accompanied by Mr.

West. Cottle. His last residence was at 28 Victoria avenue, Dulwich.

Politics

Portuguese Pirie experienced considerable progress during his two years in the mayoral chair, but his skills as chairman tested regularly, as the parties were neatly balanced and he was continually having to exercise his casting vote.

Membership

He was a member of the South Australian Legislative Council from 1915 to 1934, representing three successive conservative parties, the Liberal Union, Liberal Federation and Liberal and Country League. In 1915 Morrow was elected unopposed as one of the members of the Northern district in the Legislative Council.

Connections

Partner:

William J. Paull