The Dictionary of Australasian Biography/Longmore, Hon. Francis
Longmore, Hon. Francis, formerly Minister of Lands, Victoria, is the youngest son of George Longmore, a farmer in Monaghan, Ireland, where he was born in 1826. He was educated at Mr. Blackey's Presbyterian Academy, Monaghan, and in 1839 went to Australia with the members of his family, who settled in New South Wales, where he followed farming pursuits till 1851, when he started business in Sydney as a commission agent. The next year he removed to Victoria, where since 1854 he has farmed land in the Learmonth district. In 1856 Mr. Longmore began to take an active part in public affairs, being a strong opponent of the abuses of the land system. In 1861 he stood for the county of Ripon and Hampden, but was defeated by Mr. J. Service. In 1864 he was successful against another opponent. In the Assembly he distinguished himself as a strong Liberal, Protectionist, and land reformer. He held office as Commissioner of Railways and Vice-President of the Board of Land and Works under Mr. (now Sir) Charles G. Duffy from June 1871 to June 1872, and was Minister of Lands under Mr. (now Sir) Graham Berry from August to Oct. 1875. In the second Berry Government, which lasted from May 1877 till March 1880, he held the same position, distinguishing himself as a Minister by his vehement opposition to squatting and support of small settlement. Mr. Longmore was defeated for Ripon and Hampden in 1883, and has not re-entered Parliament.