E. H. Bakewell
Edward Howard Bakewell | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date North Adelaide, South Australia |
| Died | March 31, 1944 (aged 84) |
| Occupation(s) | Pastoralist, entrepreneur, public official |
| Known for | Chairman of Municipal Tramways Trust; managing director of South Australian Portland Cement Co.; president of Central Council of Employers; president of Pastoralists' Association of SA |
Edward Howard Bakewell (6 July 1859 – 31 March 1944) was a prominent South Australian pastoralist, entrepreneur, and public official.
Originating from North Adelaide, he was the offspring of Samuel Bakewell (circa 1815 – 1888), one of the early settlers in South Australia. Bakewell received his education at Prince Alfred College and commenced his professional journey at the National Bank as a ledger clerk. He later expanded his expertise by working in flour milling and engaging in pastoral ventures across northern South Australia.[1]
Pastoral interests
Bakewell devoted more than half a century to the pastoral sector. He held the position of managing director at Willowie Land and Pastoral Association Ltd., where he supervised a vast portfolio of freehold and leasehold lands situated in northern South Australia and the Northern Territory. His responsibilities also included managing the estate of John Howard Angas, which encompassed significant properties such as Hill River Estate, Point Sturt Stud Cattle Estate, and Kingsford. Furthermore, he acted as managing partner for Coronga Park Station in New South Wales and Tarella Station near White Cliffs, New South Wales, as well as serving approximately 12 years as managing director of Yalkuri Station near Lake Alexandrina.[1]
In leadership capacities, Bakewell served three and a half years as president of the Central Council of Employers and two years as president of the Pastoralists' Association of SA. Throughout his leadership, he played a key role in establishing wool committees tasked with overseeing Australian wool production under the British purchase arrangement, representing South Australia on these bodies. He was also pivotal in founding Australia's inaugural Stockowners Cooperative Shearing Company, chairing this organization until his passing. This cooperative framework, first introduced in South Australia, has since been adopted across the nation.[1]
The suburb of Bakewell within the City of Palmerston and Bakewell Street in Union Town under Victoria-Daly Shire Council bear his name in tribute.[2]
Business interests
At the time of his death, Bakewell was both chairman and managing director of the South Australian Portland Cement Co., a position he maintained for over five decades. His vision and entrepreneurial spirit were instrumental in elevating the company from its foundation to a dominant force within its industry.
He was also among the founding group—including David Mitchell, John Gibson, and C. H. Angas—who established Sir John Monash's South Australian Reinforced Concrete Co. Ltd. in 1907.
For twenty years, Bakewell served as South Australian Director for Commercial Union Assurance Co. Ltd., holding several terms as chairman of the board.
Municipal Tramways Trust
Bakewell’s association with Adelaide's Municipal Tramways Trust is notable. Appointed chairman in 1922 following the tenure of its inaugural chairman A. B. Moncrieff, he led the Trust for fifteen years, during which he played a significant role in its expansion and modernization. In his honor, an overpass bridge at Mile End was named after him.
The Bakewell Bridge—located on Glover Avenue/Henley Beach Road spanning the railway and Port Road East/Railway Terrace—was inaugurated on 22 December 1925 to accommodate trams and vehicular traffic. It was dismantled in 2007 and replaced by an underpass in January 2008.
Other engagements
Although Bakewell never held a parliamentary seat, he played a prominent role within the Liberal and Country League, where he chaired the finance committee for an extended period and was instrumental in founding the Liberal Club Ltd. He regularly provided counsel to the Government.
From 1907 until 1910, he served as president of the Australian National League.
During his tenure as chairman of the Employers' Federation between 1915 and 1929, Bakewell promoted collaboration between employers and employees by facilitating round table discussions aimed at minimizing industrial disputes. He was critical of overlapping Federal and State industrial regulations, advocating for industrial affairs to remain primarily under State jurisdiction when feasible. Furthermore, he endeavored to foster unity among employers across various industries.
In 1928, Bakewell became a member of the Commonwealth Land Valuation Board, where he addressed taxpayer concerns related to land tax assessments. He was also actively involved in Masonic organizations and held leadership positions within the Stockowners' Association.
Passing and acknowledgments
Bakewell passed away unexpectedly while traveling by train to Morgan to participate in the inauguration of the Morgan – Whyalla pipeline. His earlier commitment to regional development was evident through his role on the executive committee of the River Murray League in 1904. His sudden death came as a surprise, especially since he had been reportedly in good health just days prior at his office in Adelaide.
Sir William Goodman, general manager of the Tramways Trust, conveyed profound sorrow over Bakewell’s death, emphasizing their long-standing friendship and Bakewell’s fifteen years as chairman. Goodman lauded him as a devoted businessman with extensive expertise who consistently placed the interests of the board and public welfare above all else. An obituary published in The Advertiser highlighted Bakewell’s exceptional business insight and leadership in both the Employers' Federation and Municipal Tramways Trust, noting significant advancements achieved under his stewardship—a testament to his enduring public service.
Family
Edward Howard Bakewell wed Octavia Eleanor "Ellie" Wilson (1861–1934), daughter of Rev. W. Wilson, on 12 October 1886. Their offspring were:
- Eleanor Gladys Bakewell (1887–1967), who remained unmarried
- Dorothy Grace Bakewell (born 1891), married Rev. Alfred Wylleoffe De Pledge Sykes in 1912
- Gwendoline Enid Bakewell (born 1893), who married Toussaint Charles Dewez in 1915
- Howard Keith Bakewell (1896–1972), pastoralist at Yalkuri Station near Narrung, South Australia
- Robert Donald Bakewell (born 1899), pastoralist based in Benalla, Victoria, recognized with an entry in the Australian Dictionary of Biography
- Evelyn Marjorie Bakewell (born 1899), married Ross Macrow in 1930
Subsequently, he married Florence (deceased 1957). Their homes included "Wyuna" on Victoria Avenue in Unley Park; "Marmion" located on Magill Road in Tranmere; and a residence at 80 Northgate Street, Millswood.
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