Ernest James

Ernest Alfred James (1 November 1893 – December 1963) was an accountant, newspaper proprietor and politician in the Territory of Papua New Guinea. He served as a member of the Legislative Council between 1951 and 1959.

Biography James was born in London, where he studied to become an accountant. After earning his certification, he joined the Treasury of the Territory of Papua in 1915, also becoming a special constable. In 1925 he was amongst the founders of the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce, serving as its Honorary Secretary. He was returned unopposed in the 1954 elections. Following the death of his first wife, in 1955 he married May Ross. James went on to defeat Craig Kirke in the 1957 elections. However, in June 1959, he and the two other elected members resigned from the council in protest at the introduction of income tax in the territory.

He later retired to the Yeronga area of Brisbane in Australia, where he died at home in December 1963 at the age of 70.