Walter Kingsmill

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 (later West Perth) in two matches in the West Australian Football League during the 1888 season.[1]

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 elected President of the Senate, serving until 30 August 1932, when he was replaced by Patrick Lynch.

On 7 May 1931, Kingsmill chaired the meeting of opposition members at which the United Australia Party came into existence as a parliamentary party.[2] He retired at the 1934 election, but died on 15 January 1935 while still a senator, necessitating the early appointment of Allan MacDonald (who had been elected to succeed him).[3]