Harry Gardiner (politician)

John Henry Gardiner
Born	Template:Birth date Redfern, Australia
Died	April 8, 1974(1974-04-08) (aged 66)
Occupation(s)	Politician, manufacturer
Years active	1932–1974
Known for	Member of the New South Wales Legislative Council; Mayor of Redfern; Chairman of Sydney County Council

John Henry Gardiner (25 May 1907 – 8 April 1974) was an Australian public figure who held positions as a Member of the New South Wales Legislative Council, Mayor of Redfern, and Chairman of the Sydney County Council.

Early life and career

Gardiner was born in Redfern to Edward Felix Gardiner, a businessman. His education included attendance at Haberfield Public School followed by Fort Street High School. He later established himself as a manufacturer specializing in motor parts. Around 1928, he married Dora Elizabeth Saunders, and the couple had three children.

Political career

In January 1932, Gardiner secured election to the Redfern Municipal Council representing Redfern Ward as a candidate for the Labor Party. He was appointed mayor in December 1934 after the Minister for Local Government intervened due to a council stalemate. At 26 years old, he became Sydney’s youngest mayor, holding the position until January 1936. He continued serving on the council until his defeat in December 1941.

Gardiner was elected to Sydney County Council’s No.2 Constituency in August 1935, overcoming a legal challenge from a conservative rival. He served as chairman of the county council beginning January 1938 for one term. Although defeated in 1945, he returned to fill a vacancy in September 1947 but lost his seat again in the February 1949 elections, which resulted in many Labor councillors being unseated.

From 1960 until his passing while still in office in 1974, Gardiner was a member of the New South Wales Legislative Council affiliated with the Independent Labor Group.