He succeeded in defeating the government of Charles Wade at the 1910 state election and was commissioned to form government by Lord Chelmsford, Governor of New South Wales.

[1] In March 1911 Walter Bevan, a public servant employed as a Crown prosecutor, was appointed Solicitor General, however he was not a member of parliament, nor was this a cabinet role.

It was initially intended that Bevan would retain his role as Solicitor General,[3] however two days later however Hall was appointed to replace Bevan in the role.

[4] The ministry covers the period from 21 October 1910 until 29 June 1913,[5] when McGowen resigned due to his health and misjudgment in attempting to settle a gasworkers strike and was succeeded by his deputy, William Holman.

[1][6][7] The composition of the ministry was announced by Premier McGowen on 21 October 1910.