Though he was also well known in the business life of Melbourne as a lawyer and a power in the newspaper world, comparatively few people realized the full value of his educational work. The advance in education in Victoria during the first quarter of the twentieth century was based on the report of the commissions over which he presided, and his recognition of the ability of Frank Tate led to his appointment as director of education and the great expansion which followed.
A well-known figure in Melbourne's business life, he also played a key role in the newspaper industry. Nevertheless, his educational achievements were not fully recognized until his chairmanship of commissions led to substantial improvements in Victoria's education during the early twentieth century, resulting in Frank Tate's appointment as director of education and a significant expansion.