James BALFOUR
Member for East Yarra Province (June 1904 – 24 August 1913)
MLA for East Bourke (February 1866 – August 1868)
MLC for Southern (June 1874 – May 1904)
Merchant. Born 10 May 1830, Edinburgh. Son of John Balfour and Robina Gordon. Married 1859 Frances Charlotte Henty; six sons and five daughters. Deceased 24 August 1913.
Educated at: Edinburgh Academy; business experience Edinburgh and London; arrived Melbourne 1852; partner in charge Geelong branch James Henty & Co. 1854-63; returned Melbourne and retired from firm 1878; established James Balfour & Co. 1879; director banks and insurance companies. Prominent churchman, Presbyterian.
MLA for East Bourke February 1866-August 1868 (resigned), MLC for Southern June 1874-1882 becoming MLC for South Eastern 1882-May 1904, MLC for East Yarra June 1904-August 1913. Minister without Office May-November 1890, December 1899-Nov 1900; royal commission charitable institutions 1870, water supply 1884, banking laws 1887.
