Peter Garrow

Peter Garrow was born in Ballandallock, Scotland, in 1879.

He was the son of a famer, but at the age of 12 he left the land and was apprenticed to the tailoring business at Glenlivet. At the conclusion of his apprenticeship, he moved to Glasgow. Finding the tailoring trade a little sedate, he went to sea as an ordinary seaman, working in America between voyages.

He returned to England, and entered the service of Hill Brothers, the famous Bond Street tailors. Among his personal clients at Hill Brothers was the Duke of Connaught, Prince Arthur, and the Prince of Wales.

Peter Garrow worked his passage to Australia, and in Sydney he entered the tailoring firm of Cavanagh's, and later set up in business at Goulburn, returning to England on the occasion of the coronation of King Edward VII.

On return to Australia, he married Miss Helena Herbert, and then moved north to Brisbane, settling there until 1908, when he moved to Dalby.

A craftsman of the highest ability, with scrupulous business honesty, Peter Garrow set a standard in his business seldom seen in country towns. His first venture into public life was as a member of the Hospital committee, then becoming an Alderman on Dalby Town Council in 1919.

In 1921 Peter Garrow was appointed Mayor, followed by another term as Mayor from 1924 to 1927. During his tenure, he was responsible for many reforms, including overhauling the Electric Light Authority.

Peter Garrow was a foundation member of the Dalby Town Band, a member of the Dalby State School committee, chairman of the School of Arts committee, captain of Dalby Rifle Club, and Chieftain and secretary, respectively, on many occasions of the Dalby Caledonian Society. He was also sessions clerk of St. Thomas's Presbyterian Church for 19 years, a member of the Pastoral and Agricultural Association, vice-president and founder of Dalby Golf Club, a member of the Dalby Fire Brigade Board, chairman of the Dalby Traders' Association, and on several occasions president of the Dalby Chamber of Commerce.

Peter Garrow was one of the leading Oddfellows of the district, wearing the insignia of District Grand Master. In Freemasonry, he was District Superintendent of Workings, and was a foundation member of the Bell Lodge.

Peter Garrow died in 1933 at the age of 55 years, and his funeral cortege was one of the largest ever seen in Dalby.