John Gordon Smith (politician)

John Gordon Smith (1863 – 19 June 1921) was a member of the Queensland Legislative Council.[1]

The Hon

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
Died19 June 1921 (aged 57 or 58)
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Resting placeToowong Cemetery
NationalityScottish Australian
Spouse(s)Annie Coles (m.1884 d.1940)
OccupationPublican, 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

When 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

On 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
  1. "Former Members". Parliament of Queensland. 2015. Retrieved 14 April 2015.
  2. "TWO HOUSES, NOT ONE". The Brisbane Courier. National Library of Australia. 7 May 1917. p. 7. Retrieved 14 April 2015.
  3. "Goold-Adams, Sir Hamilton John (1858–1920)" Australian Dictionary of Biography. Retrieved 14 April 2015.
  4. "LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL". The Morning Bulletin. Rockhampton, Qld.: National Library of Australia. 20 February 1920. p. 9. Retrieved 10 April 2015.
  5. Smith John Gordon – Brisbane City Council Grave Location Search. Retrieved 14 April 2015.
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