Family background
Michael Ward was born in Ireland on 27 August 1892, son of Patrick Ward, and Mary. He married Kathleen Elizabeth Leininge at Newtown on 7 October 1922. He died at Glebe on 1 February 1953, aged 60 years. There were four children of the marriage: three sons and a daughter. Kathleen Ward died on 20 October 1982, aged 83 years.
Occupation & interests
The occupation of Michael Ward is listed in the 1944 electoral roll as salesman.
Community activity
Ward was president of St James Sports Club in Glebe which flourished from its formation at the Patrician Brothers School, Forest Lodge in 1928 until 1950. St James Sports Club fielded strong rugby league premiership teams between 1938 and 1949. Members also played in its cricket and hockey teams, soccer, tennis and athletics teams.
Local government service
Glebe’s municipal housing project in Crescent Street, Glebe was inaugurated during the mayoralty of Michael Ward. Glebe Council borrowed 100,000 pounds to build 18 cottages and a number of flats with council labour in 1948, and sold them to Glebe renters at cost through a public ballot. Michael Ward was to be the last mayor of Glebe.
References
Hogan, Michael 2004, Local labor: a history of the Labor Party in Glebe, 1891-2003, Federation Press, Annandale, NSW
Sydney Morning Herald 20 September 1948 p. 3; 22 November 1948 p. 2
Sydney Morning Herald 3 February 1953 p. 14