A century since Victoria’s first Country Party Premier was elected

Mr Allan came to the Kyabram district in 1873, aged seven, when his father, Andrew Allan, selected land in the district.

The family was among the earliest settlers of the district and established one of the finest wheat and dairy farms in the Goulburn Valley.

After going through primary school he took up farming and, in 1924, was carrying on a holding at Wyuna South.

He and his wife Annie (Stewart) married in 1889 and had eight children — Andrew, John, Roy, Gordon, Margaret and Clarice. A daughter Ethel May died in 1898, aged three, and son Eric James died of appendicitis, aged 14 in 1917.

Mr Allan was involved in municipal and public affairs.

He was a member of the Deakin Shire Council, commissioner of the old Rodney Water Trust, chairman of the Kyabram Butter Factory and the first leader of the Victorian Farmers’ Union.

When the union merged into the Victorian Country Party during World War I, he became leader of the party until his retirement in 1933.

He was also an enthusiastic cricketer and was a foundation member of Kyabram Cricket Club

Mr Allan had only been in Parliament seven years and his elevation to the top job was a credit to himself and the district.

He was said to be one of the most unassuming members of the House. He spoke forcefully and thought slowly, but was possessed of much shrewdness.

He was not a master of parliamentary procedure, but was even-tempered and tactful commanding the esteem of all who knew him.

He will be remembered as the most able exponent of the cause of the countryman in the political history of Victoria, as a founder of the farmers’ political organisation, and its guide, philosopher and friend during its adolescence.

Mr Allan died on February 22, 1936, and was honoured with a state funeral.

A short service was held at his home “Kilmarnock" north of Kyabram before the cortege travelled to the Kyabram cemetery.

There was a long procession of cars and about 250 cars were parked outside the cemetery. The Kyabram police controlled the traffic near the home and at the cemetery.

A motorcar was requisitioned to carry an array of beautiful floral tributes.

The impressive service at the graveside was read by the Rev. W.H. M. Mathers, minister of St David's Presbyterian Church, where more than 1000 people attended.

This was a wonderful tribute to the man affectionately known as “Honest John’’.

Descendent Jack Norris said ‘’his legacy lives on in Kyabram today’’.

John Allan Rd is named after him and Allan St, Kyabram, is named after his father, Andrew.

A gathering will be held at the grave site of Premier John Allan on Monday, November 18, at 10.30am at Kyabram cemetery to acknowledge 100 years since he became premier of Victoria.

State Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh will be in attendance.

Compiled by Eileen Sullivan, Kyabram Historical Society librarian