The Dictionary of Australasian Biography/Davies, Hon. David Mortimer
Davies, Hon. David Mortimer, M.L.A., was born at Blains, Monmouthshire, Wales, and was educated for the ministry at the Brecon Independent College, in that principality, but, his views having undergone a change in regard to some important religious doctrines, he resigned his charge, and entered on agricultural pursuits. He emigrated to South Australia, arriving at Adelaide in 1866, and removed thence to Ballarat, in Victoria, the next year, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits, in the Buninyong district. Mr. Davies was elected a member of the Legislative Assembly for Grenville in 1877, and still represents the constituency. He is a strong Liberal and Protectionist, and was Government whip during the Berry régime. In Oct. 1887 he joined the Gillies-Deakin Cabinet, but held no portfolio till June 1889, when he became Commissioner of Public Works and Vice-President of the Board of Land and Works. From June to Nov. 1890 he was Minister of Mines in the same Government, resigning with his colleagues at the latter date.