John Gordon Smith (1863 – 19 June 1921) was a member of the Queensland Legislative Council.[1]
John Smith | |
|---|---|
 John Gordon Smith, 1905 | |
| Member of the Queensland Legislative Council | |
| In office 19 February 1920 – 19 June 1921 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | John Gordon Smith 1863 Rhynie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland |
| Died | 19 June 1921 (aged 57 or 58) Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Resting place | Toowong Cemetery |
| Nationality | Scottish Australian |
| Spouse | Annie Coles (m.1884 d.1940) |
| Occupation | Publican, small-business owner |
Smith was born at Rhynie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, to William Smith and his wife Christina (née Duncan).[1] He was a publican in Maryborough and the proprietor of a night coffee stall in Queen Street, Brisbane, in 1900. Smith was President of the British Associated Friendly Societies Dispensary as well as a Past Grand Master of the Ancient Order of Foresters.[1]
Political career
editWhen the Labour Party starting forming governments in Queensland, it found much of its legislation being blocked by a hostile Council, where members had been appointed for life by successive conservative governments. After a failed referendum in May 1917,[2] Premier Ryan tried a new tactic, and later that year advised the Governor, Sir Hamilton John Goold-Adams, to appoint thirteen new members whose allegiance lay with Labour to the Council.[3]
In 1920, the new Premier Ted Theodore appointed a further fourteen new members to the Council[4] with Smith amongst the appointees.[1] He served until his death in June the next year.[1]
Personal life
editOn 11 January 1884, Smith married Annie Coles and together had one son and four daughters.[1] He died in Brisbane in June 1921 and was buried at Toowong Cemetery.[5]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f "Former Members". Parliament of Queensland. 2015. Retrieved 14 April 2015.
- ^ "TWO HOUSES, NOT ONE". The Brisbane Courier. National Library of Australia. 7 May 1917. p. 7. Retrieved 14 April 2015.
- ^ "Goold-Adams, Sir Hamilton John (1858–1920)" Australian Dictionary of Biography. Retrieved 14 April 2015.
- ^ "LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL". The Morning Bulletin. Rockhampton, Qld.: National Library of Australia. 20 February 1920. p. 9. Retrieved 10 April 2015.
- ^ Smith John Gordon – Brisbane City Council Grave Location Search. Retrieved 14 April 2015.