 When Lewis retired in June 1912, Solomon became premier, attorney-general and minister of education, but he had a bare majority of one and it required much tact and finesse to keep the ministry going until April 1914.Attention was given to education and considerable additions were made to the number of state and high schools.Never a robust man, Solomon's health broke down, likely from stress, and he died at Hobart aged 38 on 5 October 1914.