BUSH BRED.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21217, 24 December 1930, Page 5

BUSH BRED.

SYDNEY'S NEW LORD MAYOR. A SELF-MADE MAN. (From Our Own Correspondent.) SYDNEY, December 11, Alderman J, Jackson, Sydney’s new Lord Mayor, ig a striking personality, even if he has not that dignity which by tradition attaches to such a high post. He has achieved the height of his ambition, and for a man born and bred in the “ bush,” as the Australian outback is known, his is a remarkable achievement, savouring very much of the time-honoured story of Dick Whittington. In his early days he worked at shearing, droving, and any other task that came his way. He' was never afraid of hard work, and perhaps that is the reason why he is so fond of counselling hard work now. He is a good Nationalist as far as politics go, but a man of moderate views, and generally popular with all classes. Like most self-made men Alderman Jackson has a streak of modesty in his make up. If he has any personal vanity it is in his vigorous growth of black hair—“the Samson touch—which will make him the delight of cartoonists, as in fact he is even now. No Parliamentary group drawn by a cartoonist is complete without Alderman Jackson’s shock of thick, black hair.” He has been a member of the Legislative Assembly for years, and, although he seldom speaks, he is very biting in his attacks on Labour when he is in the mood. He cannot tolerate longer-hours-and-morc-pay policies, and he is very definite about it. Even though he speaks but seldom in public his friends are fully aware of his elocutionary powers, and if things are dull at future civic receptions, lie will be able to help by reciting “ Clancy of the Overflow ” or the “Man from Snowy River.” He is a devout admirer of the works of Banjo Patterson, and to that extent at least a true Australian. Alderman Jackson is a successful business man, and owns a chain of hoot shops in the city, and the name of “ Stonewall ” Jackson, by which all his shops are known, is one which appropriately suggests strength and vigour and durability. In politics organisation rather than oratory, lias been his forte, but his undoubted ability has won him recognition. He just missed a portfolio in the Bavin Government. He will occupy the Lord Moyoral chair during the period in which, it is hoped, the Sydney Harbour bridge will be opened, ami who knows but what lie might end his term with a higher honour. The selection has certainly met with general favour. It is success well deserved.