Henry Jeffries (13 August 1889 – 22 April 1971) was an Australian politician. He served three terms as mayor of Rockhampton, Queensland from 1943 until 1952.
Jeffries was first elected to Rockhampton City Council as an alderman in 1939, before contesting the 1943 election vying for the position of mayor at the age of 53, representing the Civic Advancement Party. He won the election, narrowly beating incumbent Robert William Evans.[1] Jeffries won the subsequent elections in 1946 and 1949.[2][3]
His legacy includes overseeing the commencement of construction of Rockhampton's Fitzroy Bridge, turning the first sod at the construction site in 1945.[4][5] Jeffries also had an ambitious plan to redevelop the Fitzroy riverbank in the Rockhampton CBD for recreational use.[6]
Jeffries decided not to contest the 1952 local government elections, and was succeeded by Rex Pilbeam.[7][8]
Jeffries married Violet Underwood on 17 February 1914 at the Rockhampton Baptist Tabernacle.[9][10]
Prior to his career in local government, Jeffries had been employed for 25 years in the administration offices of the Queensland Railways Department in Rockhampton.[11]
His sporting interests included rifle shooting and golf.[11]
He died on 22 April 1971.[12]
References
edit- ^ (3 May 1943) Ald H Jeffries wins mayoral election in close contest, The Morning Bulletin. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
- ^ (27 April 1946) Final figures in council election, The Morning Bulletin. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
- ^ (30 May 1949) Jeffries is mayor for third term, The Morning Bulletin. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
- ^ (25 September 1945) Turning the sod, The Morning Bulletin. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
- ^ (4 October 1945) New Fitzroy Bridge: Turning of first sod, The Central Queensland Herald. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
- ^ (14 September 2016) Mayor's riverbank dream comes to life more than 70 years on, The Morning Bulletin. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
- ^ (13 March 1952) Mayor will not seek re-election, The Morning Bulletin. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
- ^ (2 June 1952) Rockhampton Council Election: Three-to-one majority for Pilbeam as mayor, The Morning Bulletin. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
- ^ (4 March 1914) Births, Deaths & Marriages: Jeffries-Underwood, The Morning Bulletin. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
- ^ Marriage registration: Henry Jeffries, Marriage date: 17 February 1914, Spouse: Violet Rebecca Underwood, Registration details: 1914/C/2778, Births, Deaths, Marriages & Divorce, Queensland Government. Accessed 21 May 2020.
- ^ a b (31 March 1943) Three seek mayoral post, The Morning Bulletin. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
- ^ Death registration: Henry Jeffries, Death date: 22 April 1971, Mother: Ellen Thomas, Father: Frederick William Jeffries, Registration details: 1971/C/3153, Births, Deaths, Marriages & Divorce, Queensland Government. Accessed 21 May 2020.