May 1906 and the conclusions included (i) that Crick had received corrupt payments but not any officer of the department and (ii) the administration of the Lands Department should be conducted by non-political Board of Commissioners. Crick was charged, however the jury could not agree on a verdict and Crick was ultimately expelled from parliament. Ashton attempted to implement the appointment of a Board of Commissioners, however the bill lapsed. He retired at the 1907 election, and was appointed to the Legislative Council. He was a minister without portfolio in the Wade ministry from 2 October 1907 until he resigned with effect on 25 June 1909, due to the pressure of private business. He continued to serve on the Legislative Council until 1934 when the council was reformed by members indirectly elected by the Parliament. His most successful investment was in 1910 with Sir Samuel McCaughey in the Coreena Pastoral Co which owned sheep and cattle stations, which Ashton attributed to putting him on Easy Street. Ashton died at Double Bay on . References 1864 births 1939 deaths Free Trade Party politicians Nationalist Party of Australia members of the Parliament of New South Wales United Australia Party members of the Parliament of New South Wales Members of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly Members of the New South Wales Legislative Council Politicians from Geelong Australian journalists