John Davies (c. 1813 – 13 March 1887) was an Australian politician, newspaper proprietor, and editor who served in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly.
Early Life and Career: Born in Carmarthenshire, Wales, around 1813, Davies emigrated to Australia in 1838. He initially worked as a schoolteacher and later became involved in journalism. He was a prominent figure in the Sydney press, owning and editing several newspapers including The Express, The Evening News, and The Town and Country Journal. Davies was also a strong advocate for the temperance movement.
Political Career: Davies's political career began with his election to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. He represented the following constituencies:
- Tumut: 1860 – 1864
- East Sydney: 1874 – 1887
During his time in parliament, Davies held several significant positions. He served as the Minister of Public Instruction from 1881 to 1883 in the Parkes ministry. Known for his robust and sometimes controversial style, he was a vocal participant in parliamentary debates.
Civic and Other Roles: Beyond his parliamentary duties, Davies was actively involved in civic life. He served as the Mayor of Sydney from 1875 to 1876. He also held directorships in various companies and was a prominent figure in numerous public organisations. His commitment to the temperance movement led him to establish the "Band of Hope" movement in New South Wales.
Later Life and Death: John Davies continued to serve as a Member for East Sydney until his death on 13 March 1887. He is remembered as a significant figure in both the political and journalistic landscape of colonial New South Wales.