Guy Arkins

Who was Guy Arkins?

James Guy Dalley Arkins was an Australian politician.

Born in Millthorpe, New South Wales, he was educated at public schools before becoming a builder. In 1915 he was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly as the Labor member for Castlereagh. After the Labor split of 1916 over conscription, Arkins joined the Nationalist Party. While still an MLA, he served in the military from 1916-1919. In 1920 he transferred to the seat of St George, and in 1927 to Rockdale. He contested Waverley in 1932, following the abolition of Rockdale, but was defeated by William Clementson.

On 26 September 1935, Arkins was appointed to the Australian Senate as a member of the United Australia Party, filling the vacancy caused by the death of NSW Senator Lionel Courtenay, who had died 11 days after being sworn in. In the 1937 federal election, an election was held for four NSW Senate seats, all of which were won by the Labor Party using the infamous "four A's" strategy, whereby the ALP selected candidates whose names all began with the letter A.

Arkins returned to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, winning Dulwich Hill in 1938 and holding it until 1941. He died in 1980.