Holman, William Arthur, 1871 – 1934

William Arthur Holman (1871-1934), cabinet-maker, barrister, parliamentarian and Premier of NSW, was born at Clapham, England, son of William and Martha Holman. He was educated in London and apprenticed as a cabinet-maker at fifteen years of age. He arrived at Melbourne with his parents in 1888 and then to Sydney in 1889. He worked as a cabinet-maker but was increasingly involved in the Labor Electoral League. In 1903 he was admitted to the NSW Bar and mainly practised in the industrial field. He was appointed KC in 1920.

Holman was elected a member of the NSW Legislative Assembly for the seats of Grenfell (1898-1904) and Cootamundra (1904-1920). Holman was Attorney-General (1910-1914), Solicitor-General (1915), Minister of Justice (1910-1912), Premier of NSW (1913-1920), Colonial Secretary (1913-1914), Treasurer (1914-1918) and Minister of Public Instruction (1915).

Holman was elected to the federal parliament as a member of the House of Representatives for the seat of Martin (1931-1934). [ref:ADB 9]