By Cathy Jones
James William Smallwood (d.1972) was first elected to Homebush Council in 1925.
He served on Homebush Council as an Alderman in the years of 1925-1928, 1928-1932, 1932-1934, 1934-1937, 1937-1941, 1941-1944 and 1944-1947
Smallwood was elected Mayor of Homebush in the years of 1929-1933, 1934-1936, 1938-1940.
His obituary notes that ‘he instigated the 30 mph speed limit restriction in built-up areas within New South Wales, by submitting this proposal to the local government Association conference held at Lismore in 1938’[1]. He also was responsible for the formation of the baby health clinic at Homebush, which is believed to have been the first Baby Health Centre established in New South Wales[2].
In 1935, he was awarded the King George V Medal for services rendered to the community[3].
Following amalgamation of Homebush Council with Strathfield Council, Smallwood served from 1947 to 1953 as an Alderman on Strathfield Council. He served as a member of the Strathfield Council Planning Committee from 1954 to 1961[4].
Smallwood was a butcher by occupation and operated a butcher shop on Parramatta Road Homebush. Smallwood was the son of Joe and Susannah Smallwood of Pitt Town in the Hawkesbury district[5]
He died in 1972 and was survived by his sons Allan, Jack and Ron and daughter Enid (Mrs Bruton).[6] His wife Ruby (formerly Harris) died in 1954[7].
Smallwood Avenue Homebush was formerly named Coventry Road but was renamed for James Smallwood in 1948[8].
References
’Tribute to former Alderman’ (1972, May 31), The Aeroplane Press.
IN the Supreme Court of New South Wales.—Probate Division.—In the will of JAMES WILLIAM SMALLWOOD, late (1972, December 15). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), p. 5184. Retrieved December 30, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220149898
WINGHAM (1936, June 19). The Maitland Daily Mercury (NSW : 1894 – 1939), p. 9. Retrieved December 30, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127366572
Obituary (1954, September 30). Nepean Times (Penrith, NSW : 1882 – 1962), p. 1 (Supplement to NEPEAN TIMES). Retrieved December 30, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article100986688
MUNICIPALITY OF STRATHFIELD.—ALTERATION OF NAMES OF ROADS.—Notice is hereby given that the Honourable (1948, April 16). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), p. 927. Retrieved December 30, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224778363
Notes
[1] Aeroplane Press 31 May 1972
[2] Aeroplane Press 31 May 1972
[3] Aeroplane Press 31 May 1972
[4] Aeroplane Press 31 May 1972
[6] Aeroplane Press 31 May 1972
[7] Obituary (1954, September 30). Nepean Times
[8] MUNICIPALITY OF STRATHFIELD.—ALTERATION OF NAMES OF ROADS. (1948, April 16). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales p. 927.
Strathfield Heritage 