John Marks (Australian politician)
Encyclopedia
John Marks was an Australian farmer and politician. He was a member of the New South Wales Legislative Council
between 1878 and 1885. He was also a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly
for two terms from 1856 until 1859.
district when Marks was 1 year old. After an elementary education in Sydney he became a successful farmer in Jamberoo
near Kiama
. By 1860, Marks had acquired substantial property in Sydney and had become independently wealthy. He was an alderman on
Kiama Municipal Council between 1868 and 1874 and was the Mayor in 1870. Marks was also involved in numerous local organisations including the Presbyterian Church, Aboriginal Protection Board and Agricultural Society. He was a nephew of Samuel Charles who was also a Mayor of Kiama and a member of the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council.
but became disillusioned with him when Cowper failed to support the construction of a breakwater in Kiama. He did not stand as a candidate when his electorate was abolished before the 1859 election and he declined Cowper's invitation to join the Legislative Council in 1861.
appointed him to the position of Vice President of the Executive Council and Representative of the Government in the Legislative Council. In this position he was responsible for ensuring the passage of government legislation, including a contentious land bill, through the upper house. Marks lost the position when Farnell's government fell in December 1878 but he continued to attend the Legislative Council until his death.His infrequent speeches were noted for their moderation and 'gentlemanly style'.
New South Wales Legislative Council
The New South Wales Legislative Council, or upper house, is one of the two chambers of the parliament of New South Wales in Australia. The other is the Legislative Assembly. Both sit at Parliament House in the state capital, Sydney. The Assembly is referred to as the lower house and the Council as...
between 1878 and 1885. He was also a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly
New South Wales Legislative Assembly
The Legislative Assembly, or lower house, is one of the two chambers of the Parliament of New South Wales, an Australian state. The other chamber is the Legislative Council. Both the Assembly and Council sit at Parliament House in the state capital, Sydney...
for two terms from 1856 until 1859.
Early life
Marks was the son of an Irish farmer who emigrated, with his family, to the IllawarraIllawarra
Illawarra is a region in the Australian state of New South Wales. It is a coastal region situated immediately south of Sydney and north of the Shoalhaven or South Coast region. It encompasses the cities of Wollongong, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven and the town of Kiama. The central region contains Lake...
district when Marks was 1 year old. After an elementary education in Sydney he became a successful farmer in Jamberoo
Jamberoo, New South Wales
Jamberoo is a small picturesque village approx 11 km inland from Kiama on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia in the Municipality of Kiama. At the 2006 census, Jamberoo had a population of 935 people...
near Kiama
Kiama, New South Wales
-Transport:The town is served by Kiama Station on the South Coast Line. It is served by road in the form of the Princes Highway and the Kiama Bypass.-Attractions:...
. By 1860, Marks had acquired substantial property in Sydney and had become independently wealthy. He was an alderman on
Kiama Municipal Council between 1868 and 1874 and was the Mayor in 1870. Marks was also involved in numerous local organisations including the Presbyterian Church, Aboriginal Protection Board and Agricultural Society. He was a nephew of Samuel Charles who was also a Mayor of Kiama and a member of the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council.
State Parliament
In 1856 Marks was elected as one of the two members for East Camden in the first New South Wales Legislative Assembly under responsible government. He was re-elected at the next election in 1858. Marks was a supporter of Charles CowperCharles Cowper
Sir Charles Cowper, KCMG was an Australian politician and the Premier of New South Wales on five different occasions from 1856 to 1870....
but became disillusioned with him when Cowper failed to support the construction of a breakwater in Kiama. He did not stand as a candidate when his electorate was abolished before the 1859 election and he declined Cowper's invitation to join the Legislative Council in 1861.
Government
In January 1878 Marks became a life appointee to the Legislative Council when James FarnellJames Farnell
James Squire Farnell was an Australian politician and Premier of New South Wales. Farnell was a hard-working legislator who gave much study to the land question and also tried hard for some years to pass a bill for the regulation of contagious diseases.-Early years:Farnell was born in St Leonards,...
appointed him to the position of Vice President of the Executive Council and Representative of the Government in the Legislative Council. In this position he was responsible for ensuring the passage of government legislation, including a contentious land bill, through the upper house. Marks lost the position when Farnell's government fell in December 1878 but he continued to attend the Legislative Council until his death.His infrequent speeches were noted for their moderation and 'gentlemanly style'.