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.
Although he was also renowned in Melbourne's business sphere as a lawyer and influential figure in the newspaper industry, relatively few individuals grasped the significance of his educational endeavors. The progress in education in Victoria during the early twentieth century was largely driven by the reports of commissions he chaired, which led to Frank Tate's appointment as director of education and the subsequent substantial expansion.