THROSSELL, George (1840-1910)

premier of Western Australia

the son of G. M. Throssell, was born at Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland, on 23 May 1840. He came to Western Australia with his father in 1850 and was educated at the public school, Perth. He entered the employ of Padbury and Fermaner, merchants, Perth, but in 1861 started in business for himself at Northam. He was intimately connected with this district all his life and entering the municipal council at an early age, was mayor of Northam for nine years. In 1890 he was elected unopposed for Northam to the legislative assembly, and in March 1897 became commissioner for crown lands in the Forrest (q.v.) ministry. When Forrest entered federal politics in February 1901, Throssell succeeded him as premier and treasurer, but the ministry was defeated in the following May. Throssell did not stand for parliament at the 1904 election on account of his health, but in August 1907 was elected to the legislative council. He died at Northam on 30 August 1910. He married in 1861 Annie Morrell and was survived by seven daughters and five sons. He was created C.M.G. in 1909. His realization that agriculture must be developed was of great value to Western Australia. He was in office when enormous quantities of gold were being produced, but he nevertheless worked with energy to encourage closer settlement, feeling that the future of the state would depend upon a proper use of the land. A son, Captain H. V. H. Throssell (1884-1934), fought with great distinction in the 1914-18 war and was awarded the Victoria Cross for conspicuous bravery at Gallipoli.

The West Australian, 31 August 1910; Who's Who, 1910; Who's Who in Australia, 1933.