Claude Matthews (Australian politician)

Claude Hilton Matthews (19 January 1899 – 9 January 1954) was an Australian politician and a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly from 1934 until his death in 1954 . He was variously a member of the Labor Party (ALP) and the Australian Labor Party (NSW). He held a number of ministerial positions including Colonial Secretary

The Honourable Claude Matthews
Chief Secretary
In office 21 September 1949 – 30 June 1950
Preceded by	John Baddeley
Succeeded by	Clive Evatt
Personal details
Born	19 January 1899 Rylstone, New South Wales
Died	9 January 1954 (aged 54) Sydney
Political party	Labor Party, Australian Labor Party (NSW)

Early and personal life

Matthews was born in Rylstone, New South Wales He was the son of a foreman and was educated at Petersham High School. He worked with the New South Wales Government Railways as a labourer and became an official of the Federated Ironworkers' Association.

State Parliament

Matthews was elected as the Labor member for Leichhardt at the 1934 by-election caused by the resignation of the sitting member Joe Lamaro who unsuccessfully contested the seat of Watson at the 1934 federal election. He retained the seat for the next 7 elections.[1] He committed suicide while still in office in 1954.[2][3]

Government

Matthews held ministerial positions in the government of James McGirr. He held the positions of Minister for Building Materials and Minister for Tourism and Immigration before becoming Colonial Secretary between 1949 and 1950.

References

1. "The Hon. Claude Hilton Matthews (1899–1954)". Former Members of the Parliament of New South Wales. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
2. "Police probe MLAs death". The Argus. 11 January 1954. Retrieved 18 June 2010 – via Trove.
3. "Former Minister's suicide". The Canberra Times. 26 January 1954. p. 1. Retrieved 14 October 2019 – via Trove.