Sir George Reid was a NSW Premier, co-drafter of the federal constitution, Australian Prime Minister and first High Commissioner to Great Britain.
Born in Scotland in 1845, Reid became the independent member for East Sydney in 1880. He was passionately committed to free trade and social liberalism and was critical of popular moves to restrict Chinese immigration. He was elected as leader of the opposition Free Trade Party in 1891. The party was successful at the 1894 election and Reid was NSW Premier for the next 5 years.
Reid announced his support for a second federation convention, to which he was appointed a delegate. Throughout the negotiations on federation, Reid's concerns for protecting the rights of the states were paramount. He was concerned with the 'undemocratic' power to amend money bills given to smaller states in the Senate. He was opposed to federal tariffs that, again, would 'unfairly' tax the more populous NSW.
Despite these reservations he gave his reluctant support to the constitution in a speech delivered at the Sydney Town Hall in 1898. But because Reid also used the opportunity to restate his concerns, Reid himself was given the nick-name 'Yes-No Reid'. In NSW the subsequent referendum majority was too slim for ratification. In a second referendum in 1899 NSW voted to ratify the constitution, thanks to amendments negotiated by Reid.
Reid was forced to resign as Premier in 1899, and so missed out on becoming the country's first Prime Minister. He did become Prime Minister in 1904 but after less than a year he resigned after losing a censure vote. Reid was appointed as the first High Commissioner in London in 1909.
Sir George Reid is remembered as a caricature of the Victorian public man. Undoubtedly his vast bulk, walrus-style moustache and wire framed glasses havecontributed to this lasting impression. Indeed these characteristics formed the basis of many contemporary caricatures. His oratorial skills, his quick wit and earthy humour at the podium have also contributed to this picture of genial buffoonery. However Reid was a very able politician who used humour and oratory to great effect. His influence in the federation movement and the drafting of the constitution has also been overshadowed in the public memory by the position accorded Henry Parkes. Reid's biogapher W.G. McMinn, however, regards Reid as the 'father of federation'.
As High Commissioner in London at the outbreak of war in 1914, Reid was involved in the decision to send the Anzacs to train in the warmer climate of Egypt rather than on Salisbury Plain. It may be that the resulting proximity of the Anzacs to Turkey facilitated Australian involvement in the Dardanelles campaign. Reid visited the Australian forces at Mena Camp in Egypt in 1914-1915 prior to their departure for Gallipoli. These candlesticks were inscribed and presented to Reid to commemorate this visit.
These candlesticks given to Sir George Reid to commemorate his visit to the Mena Camp in Egypt in 1914-15. The First Australian Infantry Division was trained at Mena Camp. These troops comprised the main Australian force to land at Gallipoli in April 1915. According to the official war historian C.E.W. Bean, the decision to send Australian troops to Egypt reflected the influence of Sir George Reid who, as Australian High Commissioner in London, was aware that training facilities on Salisbury plain were inadequate. Canadian troops stationed there had already expressed grievances at having to spend winter in tents. While Reid had considerable influence with Lord Kitchener, it was also the case that war with Turkey had been declared shortly after the ANZACs set sail from Australia and there was already some anticipation of Australian involvement in the upcoming Middle East campaign.
These candlesticks were acquired by Reid during or after his visit to Egypt in 1914-15. They have remained in the Reid family since his death in 1918.
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