Walter Kingsmill

Who was Walter Kingsmill?

Sir Walter Kingsmill was an Australian politician and footballer.

Born in Glenelg, South Australia, he was educated at St Peter's College in Adelaide and at the University of Adelaide before becoming a geologist. Moving to Western Australia in 1888, he became a mine manager. While in Perth, he represented the Victorians Football Club in two matches in the West Australian Football League during the 1888 season. In 1897, he was elected to the Western Australian Legislative Assembly as the member for Pilbara. He moved to the Legislative Council in 1903. He served as Minister for Public Works in 1901, Commissioner for Railways 1901-1902, Colonial Secretary 1902-1904 and 1905-1906, and Minister for Education 1902-1904 and 1905-1906. He was President of the Legislative Council 1919-1922.

In 1922, he was elected to the Australian Senate as a Nationalist Senator for Western Australia. On 14 August 1929, he was appointed President of the Senate, serving until 30 August 1932, when he was replaced by Patrick Lynch.

In 1931, the Nationalist Party had become the United Australia Party, which Kingsmill duly joined. He retired in 1934, but died on 15 January 1935 while still a Senator, necessitating the early appointment of Allan MacDonald, who had been elected to succeed him.