Ernest Marks

Ernest Samuel Marks CBE (7 July 1872 – 2 December 1947) was an Australian politician, sporting administrator and wool broker.

Early life Marks was born at West Maitland, New South Wales, to London wool broker and store-owner Joseph Marks and Elizabeth, née Benjamin, and attended Royston College in Sydney before becoming a wool trader and becoming involved in the running of the family business, Joseph Marks & Co.

Politics

Marks served as the Nationalist member in the New South Wales Legislative Council for the newly created seat of North Sydney from 1927 to 1930.

He was also active in local government through the Civic Reform Association, serving on Sydney City Council from 1920 to 1927 and from 1930 to 1947, with a period as Lord Mayor in 1930.

Sport

In 1888–90 Marks won more than forty trophies as an athlete. He was Chair of the Organising Committee of 1938 British Empire Games held in Sydney.

ES Marks Athletics Field was named in his honour. He donated his large sporting collection to the State Library of New South Wales.

Personal life

During his life, Marks worshipped at the Great Syngogue in Sydney and was part of the Jewish community.

With his brother, Percy J. Marks, Ernest took part in the Jewish Literary and Debating Society, and they were founders and office-bearers of the Shakespeare Society. Percy, with Ernest's backing, was instrumental in forming the Australian Jewish Historical Society. Percy was first president in 1939–41, followed by Ernest in 1944–47.