HON. J. A. MILLAR.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8175, 7 August 1906, Page 2

HON. J. A. MILLAR.

MINISTER FOR LABOUR AND MARINE AND. COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS.

The name of J. A. Millar is inseparably associated with the memorable maritime strike and labour movements since that feature of political life came to be reeognisod as a force to be reckoned with in this country. * Millar is a man of cousideiable force of character, possessed of good, sound judgment, quick perception, and much natural ability. He is a man of determination and strong opinions, independent of the Government and always an active and energetic labour leader. Since his election for Dunedin he has stood out amongst the Government sup porters as a politician of greater strength of character and of higher political attainments than the average member. As Chairman of Committees in the House he conducted himself with credit. From secretary of a labour union to Minister of the Crown is a big step indeed, and it affords only another illustration of the opportunities offered in this country to those of ambition, energy, and pushfulness. Mr Millar was born in Julindcr, East Indies, in 1855, and is tho eldest son of Major General J. C. Millar. His parents removed 10 Scotland from the Indies, ani Mr Millar received his education in Edinburgh, coming to New Zealand in IS7O to take up the occupation of sheep farming. O n the voyage out, however, he took a fancy to the sea, and decided to follow that life. After remaining for a few months in jJunedm, he was apprenticed to t atrick Henderson and Co.'s ships and served his time in them! Afterwards he was an officer on several of the vessels, and he also served in the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Co. s ships. On resolving to settle m the colony, he left tho Shaw, Savill and Albion Company's employ. This was in 1881. 'Mr Millar then turned his attention to he coastal service, and for six years he sailed m and out of Wellington as officer and master of different steamboat. In ,887, when lie was appointed general -secretary of the S ° amn ' S Uni ° n ' I,C finallv Quitted the sea, and from that date rapu.ly made his way as a mibfic man until he entered the House in