From butter and bacon to Federal Parliament : the life and times of William Watson 1863-1938 /
Davey, Patricia R.(Ruth),1934-
Blackburn, Vic. : PenFolk Publishing,
2009.
"From Butter and Bacon to Federal Parliament is the story of a most interesting man. William Watson was a businessman, philanthropist, innovator, activist and politician. In 1889 he began in business with a grocery store in Melbourne, moving to Fremantle in 1895 where he established Watson's Supply Store. The business grew to include very successful Luncheon Rooms for a few years until World War One led to their closure, then diversified into manufacture and wholesale of smallgoods. The business prospered under his leadership and that of his son Harold, developing its own Watsonia brand; it is now part of George Weston Foods Pty Ltd. In 1922 he entered Federal politics as the independent Member for Fremantle in the House of Representatives. He was elected in each election in which he stood serving, in all, three terms1922-25, 1925-28, and 1931-34, twice defeating John Curtin for the seat. He was a fiercely independent parliamentarian with strong views on the negative side of the party system. Making extensive use of parliamentary records and his own personal correspondence, From Butter and Bacon to Federal Parliament gives fascinating insights into Australia's social and political history during the first thirty years of Federation."--Provided by publisher.
Includes index.
"From Butter and Bacon to Federal Parliament is the story of a most interesting man. William Watson was a businessman, philanthropist, innovator, activist and politician. In 1889 he began in business with a grocery store in Melbourne, moving to Fremantle in 1895 where he established Watson's Supply Store. The business grew to include very successful Luncheon Rooms for a few years until World War One led to their closure, then diversified into manufacture and wholesale of smallgoods. The business prospered under his leadership and that of his son Harold, developing its own Watsonia brand; it is now part of George Weston Foods Pty Ltd. In 1922 he entered Federal politics as the independent Member for Fremantle in the House of Representatives. He was elected in each election in which he stood serving, in all, three terms1922-25, 1925-28, and 1931-34, twice defeating John Curtin for the seat. He was a fiercely independent parliamentarian with strong views on the negative side of the party system. Making extensive use of parliamentary records and his own personal correspondence, From Butter and Bacon to Federal Parliament gives fascinating insights into Australia's social and political history during the first thirty years of Federation."--Provided by publisher.
Watson, William, 1863-1938.
Australia. Parliament
Politicians
Businessmen