 In 1917, the seat became vacant on the death of the sitting member, but he felt that this was no time for political conflict, and the Liberal candidate was returned unopposed.However, in a three-cornered fight at the December 1918 general election, he successfully contested the new Holland-with-Boston division on behalf of the Labour Party, and held the seat at the 1922 and 1923 general elections.He was offered the Governorship of Tasmania in June 1924, and decided to accept.