WATSON, JOHN CHRISTIAN ), Australian politician, was born at Valparaiso, Chile, on April 9, 1867, when his parents were on their way as emigrants to Australasia. He was educated at the public school of Oamaru, N.Z., and as a boy began work as a compositor. He attached himself to the Labour party in politics. He was president of the Sydney Trades and Labour Council in 1890. From 1894-1901 he was a member of
the New South Wales legislature. In 1901 he was elected to the Commonwealth parliament, and for a short time in 1904, on the resignation of Deakin, he was prime minister and treasurer. He resigned after a few months, though he continued to lead the Labour party until 1908.