Carruthers, Joseph Hector, 1857 – 1932

Sir Joseph Carruthers (1857-1932), solicitor, parliamentarian and Premier of NSW, was born at Kiama, NSW, son of John and Charlotte Carruthers. He was educated at Fort Street school and as a boarder at George Metcalf's School at Goulburn before attending the University of Sydney where he graduated Bachelor of Arts 91876) and Master of Arts (1878). He was articled to a solicitor and admitted to practice as a solicitor in 1879.

Carruthers was elected to the NSW Legislative Assembly in the seats of Canterbury (1887-1894) and St. George (1894-1908) before being elected to the NSW Legislative Council (1908-1932). From 1889 to 1891 he was Minister for Public Instruction in the Parkes Government; and in the Reid Government of 1894 he served as Minister of Lands. As a federalist, he was a member of the National Convention in 1897-1898. He was Leader of the Opposition from 1902 to 1904, and Premier of NSW from 1904 to 1907. Carruthers retired in 1907 and represented New South Wales at the Franco-British Exhibition in England in 1908. He published a book on Captain James Cook in 1930.