James Ashton (politician)

[7] The Sydney Morning Herald attributed his narrow loss to his views on federation,[5] while his biographer Martha Rutledge attributed it in part to him expressing sympathy for the Boers in the South African War;[1] he gave a speech in parliament opposing sending NSW troops, describing it as "the wickedest war of modern times".

[8] While in parliament he studied law, passing his exams in 1902 and qualifying for the bar, but did not seek admission, deciding to continue working as a land agent.

The highest profile issues during his tenure were allegations of bribery made against former minister Paddy Crick, which resulted in the appointment in 1905 of Justice William Owen to conduct a Royal Commissioner to investigate the administration of the Lands Department.

[11] He was a minister without portfolio in the Wade ministry from 2 October 1907 until he resigned with effect on 25 June 1909,[11] due to the pressure of private business.

[1] In 1910 he made a successful investment with Sir Samuel McCaughey in the Coreena Pastoral Co, which owned sheep and cattle stations.