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Reid (SIR GEORGE HOUSTOUN)

SIR GEORGE HOUSTOUN, an Australian political leader, born in Scotland in 1845 and died in Australia in 1918. In 1852 his family emigrated to Australia and he entered the government service there when he was nineteen years old. In 1880, after having served in the colonial legislature of New South Wales, he was appointed minister of instruction, a position he occupied but a few months. From 1894 to 1899 he was premier of New South Wales, and later when the Commonwealth was formed became prime minister, championing the cause of free trade. Defeated in 1905, he continued to lead his party for three years afterward, when he retired from active politics.