 In 1887 he was a member of the Railway Commission and the Defence Select Committee; he was Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration (1889–1890), Commissioner of Public Works in 1890, and Minister of Agriculture and Education for seven days in 1899.He had a reputation in Parliament as a logical, sound and persuasive debater, with great faith in the future of South Australia.He retired to his home at George Street Norwood, later moved to 83 Fullarton Road, Fullarton.