Hartley Gladstone Hawkins
Hartley Gladstone Hawkins | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Warnertown, South Australia |
| Died | July 9, 1939 (aged 62) |
| Occupation(s) | Pastoralist, politician |
| Years active | 1900s–1939 |
| Known for | Member of the South Australian Legislative Council, chairman of the Farmers' Union |
Hartley Gladstone Hawkins (5 May 1877 – 9 July 1939) was a South Australian pastoralist and political figure.
History
Hawkins was born in Warnertown, South Australia as the youngest child of William Clement Hawkins (circa 1844 – 1893) and Miriam Jane Hawkins, née Tucker, who resided at "Willow Lodge" in Napperby. Following the passing of his father when he was sixteen, Hawkins assumed responsibility for two farms exceeding in size within the Napperby area. His early career included experience at a wool warehouse in Port Adelaide, succeeded by one-year tenures with a livestock company and an Adelaide-based hardware business.
Politics
From its inception, Hawkins was actively involved with the Farmers' Union, participating on committees for Port Pirie and Warnertown. He secured a position on the Union’s board in 1912 and maintained directorship for a quarter-century, holding the chairmanship from 1922 until his death. His tenure featured international visits aimed at enhancing knowledge: studying dairy farming in New Zealand, marketing strategies in England, agricultural methods in North America, and wheat marketing approaches in the Baltic countries.
In 1933, Hawkins was elected to the Legislative Council as a representative for the Northern district under the Liberal and Country League. He held this office until shortly before passing away; his vacancy was later filled by James Beerworth.
Other interests
Hawkins served as director at both federal and state levels for the Co-operative Insurance Co. of Aust., Ltd., and acted as federal director for the Producers and Citizens Co-op Assurance Co., Ltd. Additionally, he held board positions with S.A. Co-op Wheat Pools Ltd., Cresco Fertilizers Ltd. (South Australia), and Renovial Rubber Co., Ltd.
A devoted member of the Methodist Church, Hawkins participated ex officio on its Conference and executive committee. His commitment extended to educational and medical institutions through involvement with Prince Alfred College’s committee, Memorial Hospital’s committee, Wesley College Council, along with other religious and community groups.
Family
On 3 August 1905, he wed Bertha Elizabeth Sandow (1882–1962) from Mintaro; their marriage did not produce children. After a lengthy illness, he passed away at Memorial Hospital.