Richard Goldsmith Burges
Richard Goldsmith Burges | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age York, Western Australia |
| Died | September 25, 1905 (aged 57) |
| Occupation(s) | Pastoralist, politician |
| Years active | 1894–1905 |
| Known for | Member of Western Australia's Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly |
Richard Goldsmith Burges (4 December 1847 – 25 September 1905) was a prominent Australian pastoralist and politician who held positions in both chambers of Western Australia's Parliament. He served as a Legislative Council member from 1894 until 1903, after which he represented the Legislative Assembly from 1903 until his passing.
Originating from York, Western Australia, Burges was born to Samuel Evans Burges and Vittoria (née Meares). His family had strong political ties, with his half-brother Thomas Burges and uncles William and Lockier Burges also having parliamentary careers. Prior to his political tenure, Richard managed Tipperary, the family estate near York, following experience overseeing various pastoral leases in the North-West region. In 1882, he joined the York Roads Board, maintaining membership until his death and serving as chairman for a time.
Burges began his parliamentary career in the 1894 elections for the Legislative Council, securing one of three seats representing the newly established East Province. After winning re-election in 1898, he stepped down in March 1903 to run in a Legislative Assembly by-election for York, occasioned by Frederick Monger's bankruptcy. He succeeded in this election and retained his seat in the 1904 state election. Burges died while still in office in September 1905 at age 57, following pneumonia contracted during travel to the eastern states and subsequent heart failure.
In 1878, he married Mona Phillips, with whom he had seven children. His connections to politics extended through marriage as well; his father-in-law Samuel Pole Phillips and brother-in-law Samuel James Phillips were also members of parliament.