NEW SOUTH WALES PREMIER

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 26, 25 October 1921, Page 6

NEW SOUTH WALES PREMIER

MR. DOOLEY’S CAREER. Mr. James Dooley, upon whom has fallen the mantle of the late Mr. John Storey as Premier of New South Wales, ( was born just outside Dublin, Ireland, 44 years ago last April. Arriving in Australia at the age of 10 years, he lived for a number of years in Brisbane, where he'became identified with the debating society movement. It was at a very early age that Mr. Dooley began life’s battle, for he commenced work in a drapery store when only 12 years of age. His evenings ho devoted to study at a technical college. It was probably his active association with several debating societies during this per’iod that laid the foundations for his future Parliamentary career, and assisted him to win quick recognition as a speaker in the Labour movement with which, in Queensland, he became associated before he was eligible to vote.

Going to’ New South Wales about 20 years ago, Mr. , Dooley lived for some time in the western country, later entering into business on his own account as a tailor at Lithgow. Hartley afforded him lift introduction to Parliament, which he entered as the member for that constituency in 1907. That district ffo has continued to represent ever since. Ho was tho youngest member in the Legislative Assembly when elected in 1907. At the last elections, when Hartley was merged into the larger electorate of Bathurst under proportional representation, Mr. Dooley was returned at the lop of the poll. The now Premier has long been prominent in the counsels of tho Labour movement. Deputy leader of the Labour Party during its period in opposition, 1917- < ’O, he was re-elected to that position after the latest (flections. Ho had well established claims to Cabinet rank in any Labour Ministry, and when tho Storey administration was formed in April, 1920, his inclusion in' tho team was a foregone conclusion He was entrusted with the dual portfolio.of Chief Secretary and Minister of Housing Mr.. Dooley was Acting-Premier during the recent absence abroad of the lato Mr Storey and he also carried out the duties of that office during tho late I remter’s illness. . A staunch unionist, one of the party . ablest platform men, and one of its most effective debaters in Parliament, Air. Pooler approaches his new and response ible office well fitted to lead his party in the strenuous times ahead in the Leg■islature. says the "Sydney Mornes I Mr Dooley is widely-read. He is said to know his Shakespeare well, and in his younger days was an amateur ..ha -e--spearean actor. Mr. Dooley ias > happv attribute winch won for the late Mr. Storey so many friends. Ho has a pleasing and genial personality, and is also popular in the Labour movement. The new Premier has a happy personality which makes many friends. Although of very medium height and wefthing 15 stone, he is well known among his friends because of Ins athletic proclivities. He indulges much in wa kin- and swimming. ’His private s udies have made him an excellent entertainer in company. Mr. Dooley is undoubtedly tho popular choice of his party, and those who have travelled those districts of the State where he is best known are well aware that this popularity is enjoyed by him among a very large circle of friends, including many who disagree with him more or less stienuouslj in matters of fibstract politics.