Simon Hugh Holmes | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 4th Premier of Nova Scotia | |
| In office October 22, 1878 – May 23, 1882 | |
| Monarch | Victoria |
| Lieutenant Governor | Adams George Archibald |
| Preceded by | Philip Carteret Hill |
| Succeeded by | John Sparrow David Thompson |
| MLA forPictou County | |
| In office May 16, 1871 – May 23, 1882 | |
| Preceded by | George Murray Robert S. Copeland Martin I. Wilkins |
| Succeeded by | Robert Hockin Charles H. Munro Adam C. Bell |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1831-07-30)July 30, 1831 Springville, Nova Scotia |
| Died | October 14, 1919(1919-10-14) (aged 88) Halifax, Nova Scotia |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouse | |
| Relations | John Holmes, father |
| Children | 4 daughters |
| Alma mater | Pictou Academy |
| Occupation | Lawyer, journalist |
| Profession | Politician |
Simon Hugh Holmes (July 30, 1831 – October 14, 1919) was aNova Scotia politician, publisher and lawyer. He was the fourthpremier of Nova Scotia from 1878 to 1882.
Holmes was born inSpringville, Nova Scotia, inPictou County. The son of Nova Scotia politician andCanadian senatorJohn Holmes, Holmes in 1858 founded and edited the PictouColonial Standard as “a dedicated advocate of the principles of true Conservatism.” The paper and Holmes were advocates ofCanadian Confederation. Holmes remained editor until 1878 when he became Premier.[1]
Holmes attempted to win a seat in theNova Scotia House of Assembly in 1867 but was defeated in a wave of anti-Confederation sentiment. He won a seat in 1871 and soon becamede facto leader of theConservativeopposition. TheTories won the 1878 election and Holmes becamePremier of the province to find the treasury depleted and theLegislative Council in the hands of theLiberals.
The Tory government passed legislation to createcounty government, lengthened the training period for teachers, subsidized education for blind children and attempted to improvemine safety. The Liberal-dominatedUpper House frustrated much of Holmes' program and he attempted three times to abolish the Legislative Council, but failed.[2]
Holmes' personal style tended to be authoritarian and this factor, along with the political impasse, led to acaucus revolt that resulted in his resignation in 1882 to accept a lucrative position as crown clerk for Halifax County. He died inHalifax.
{{cite book}}:ISBN / Date incompatibility (help)| Before Confederation (1848–1867) | |
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