John Prowse

John Henry Prowse (16 June 1871 – 20 May 1944) was an Australian politician. Born in Adelong, New South Wales, he was educated at public schools and then at Kings College, Melbourne. He became an insurance agent and then a station owner in Western Australia, where he eventually became a Perth City Councillor, serving as Mayor 1913–1914. In 1919, Prowse was elected to the Australian House of Representatives as the member for Swan, representing the Farmers' and Settlers' Association, which in 1920 solidified to become the Australian Country Party. Prowse transferred to the new seat of Forrest in 1922, allowing party colleague Henry Gregory (member for the abolished Dampier) to contest Swan. He served as chairman of committees from 1934 to 1943, the first member of his party to hold the position.

Prowse held Forrest until his defeat in 1943 by future Labor minister Nelson Lemmon. He died at his home in Donnybrook, Western Australia the following year.

Early life Prowse was born on 16 June 1871 in Adelong, New South Wales. He was the son of Mary Ann (née Wylie) and James Prowse. His mother was born in Ireland, while his father, born in England, was a miner and farmer. He was subsequently elected as its inaugural chair.

Politics

Local government

Prowse served as mayor of the Municipality of Subiaco from 1904 to 1905. He was a supporter of the Greater Perth Movement and was elected to a one-year term as mayor of Perth in 1913. During his tenure the Municipality of Leederville and Municipality of North Perth were merged into the City of Perth.

Prowse retired to his farming property Bangadang near Donnybrook, which he had purchased in 1929. He died suddenly at Bangadang on 20 May 1944, aged 72.