McMILLAN, Sir Robert Furse (1858-1931)

chief-justice of Western Australia

eldest son of John McMillan, barrister-at-law was born at London on 24 January 1858. He was educated at Westminster School, where he was a Queen's scholar, and Trinity Hall, Cambridge. He graduated in 1880 and became a member of the Inner Temple, where he held a common law scholarship and the Inns of Court studentship. He was called to the bar in 1881 and practised with success. On 1 December 1902 he was appointed a judge of the supreme court of Western Australia, was acting chief-justice in 1913, and chief-justice from 1 January 1914. He was appointed lieutenant-governor on 7 June 1921 and administered the government in 1922, 1924 and 1929. He died suddenly on 23 April 1931. He was knighted in 1916 and created K.C.M.G. in 1925. He married in 1887 Miss M. A. Elder who survived him with two sons and two daughters.

McMillan, an able and wise man, was an excellent public speaker. It has been said of him that he could not be dull. As a judge he was thoroughly capable and hard-working, and had the esteem both of his colleagues and the legal profession generally.

Who's Who, 1931; The West Australian, 24 April 1931.