Matthew Harris (Australian politician)

He was born in Magherafelt in County Londonderry to John Harris and Nancy Ann McKee.

The family migrated to Sydney in 1842 after his father had an inheritance from his great uncle John Harris.

[2] Harris attended the University of Sydney, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in 1863; he inherited property from his father in 1862.

His term as mayor was marked by the sacking of the City Organist, Auguste Wiegand — an act, it was said, that was only regretted once.

[citation needed] In 1894 he was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly as the Free Trade member for Sydney-Denison, serving until his retirement in 1901.

Sir Matthew Harris - City of Sydney Alderman 1883-1900 and Mayor 1898-1900