James Browne (1866-1938)

Shire President 1914-1915
Shire President 1922-1923
[Pictured second from the right]

1914

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James Browne was South Riding member of the Werribee Shire for many years and occupied the position of President in 1914-1915 and 1922-1923.  He was known as a capable and conscientious councillor.  Amongst his many civic duties Cr Browne switched on the first electricity supply to Werribee on 14 June 1915.  James was also a Justice of the Peace. 

He was one of a band of farmers who followed agricultural pursuits in the Werribee district with considerable success. He implemented progressive farming practices including crop rotation, and was an excellent breeder of horses winning prizes at the Werribee and Royal Agricultural shows.  He was an active member of the Werribee Agricultural Society.  James owned Mona Park Estate in Geelong Road, Werribee and in 1925 purchased the 300 acre Alston Moor Estate in Tarneit from Geo. Harrison for £4745.

A keen sportsman, James supported many sporting organisations, including the Gun Club, Coursing Club, Football Club, Cricket Club, Tennis Club and Croquet Club.  He was a founding member and vice-president of the Werribee Football Club in 1914.  An excellent rifleman, James was a member of the Werribee Rifle Club and was selected to represent Werribee for a ‘test’ against a visiting English team in 1908.

James and his wife Jane Elizabeth had three children, Albert, Irene and Roy.  Jane died suddenly of heart failure on 29 June, 1929.  James died at Werribee Private Hospital on 22 October, 1938 after a period of ill-health.  They are both buried at the Werribee cemetery.

1914 'FOOTBALL.', Werribee Shire Banner (Vic. : 1911 - 1952), 26 March, p. 3, viewed 12 February, 2014, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74823655

1919 'WERRIBEE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.', Werribee Shire Banner (Vic. : 1911 - 1952), 12 June, p. 2, viewed 12 February, 2014, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74218162

1920 'TILLAGE AND PASTURE.', Werribee Shire Banner (Vic. : 1911 - 1952), 18 November, p. 4, viewed 12 February, 2014, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74219576

1921 'THE ROYAL SHOW.', Werribee Shire Banner (Vic. : 1911 - 1952), 22 September, p. 2, viewed 12 February, 2014, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74705271

1924 'FATAL ACCIDENT.', Werribee Shire Banner (Vic. : 1911 - 1952), 19 June, p. 5, viewed 12 February, 2014, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74707484

1924 'Family Notices.', Werribee Shire Banner (Vic. : 1911 - 1952), 27 November, p. 2, viewed 12 February, 2014, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74708131

1925 'THE Werribee Shire Banner.', Werribee Shire Banner (Vic. : 1911 - 1952), 26 February, p. 2, viewed 12 February, 2014, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75071756

1929 'MRS. J. BROWNE.', Werribee Shire Banner (Vic. : 1911 - 1952), 27 June, p. 5, viewed 12 February, 2014, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74049578

1938 'OBITUARY.', Werribee Shire Banner (Vic. : 1911 - 1952), 27 October, p. 3, viewed 12 February, 2014, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74716648