COUNCILLOR JOHN DENT HARKER, CHAIRMAN.

Mr. J. D. Harker, Chairman of St. Annes Urban Council, is a Manchester man by birth. He was born in 1860, his father, Mr. Thomas Harker, J.P., being then, as now, a well-known figure in the commercial life of that city.

Our subject received his education at the Manchester Grammar School and Owen's College, and completed his course at University College, London. He then chose the profession of architect, a choice which his subsequently successful career has justified. Having served his articles with Mr. Henry Littler, of Manchester, he proceeded to London where he increased his knowledge of, and developed his skill in, the art which absorbed his talents.

He worked under Mr. Edward Robson, F.S.A., A.R.I.B.A., and in 1881 was admitted an Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects, by examination. In the year 1884 Mr. Harker returned to his native heath, and commenced practice (in Manchester). He had the distinction of the appointment of architect to the Manchester Assize Courts Committee, a position he still holds. Ten years ago he opened a branch office in Blackpool, and shortly after chose St. Annes as his place of residence.

In addition to schools, dwellings, and churches in Lancashire, Cheshire, and Derbyshire, monuments of his Design are to be seen in this district in the Pavilion of the Victoria Pier, Blackpool; the Hippodrome (formerly Empire), Blackpool; the Public Hall, St. Annes; and the new Pier entrance and offices at St. Annes.

He became a Benedict in 1887, when he took unto wife Miss McLaine, the daughter of Mr. Peter McLaine, of Manchester; and there are one son and four daughters of the marriage. His favourite recreation is golf, and last year he was elected a member of the Council of the Lytham and St. Annes Golf Club.

Five years ago, when the town was divided into Wards, he gained a seat on the Urban Council for West Ward and in April, 1900, was elected for the second full term of three years by a large majority. Prior to his last election he filled the position of Chairman of the Finance Committee, and was selected as one of the Council's representatives on the School Management Committee of Lytham Charity.

Mr. Harker is a Liberal-Nonconformist, and worships at the St. Annes Congregational Church. Since his occupancy of the chair of the Council he has proved his ability as a lucid and resourceful speaker, and a cool and tactful Chairman.