Harold Darling

Harold Darling (1885-1950) was chairman of BHP from 1922 to 1950. Born in Adelaide, he entered his father's milling and grain business when he was 18. Eleven years later, in 1914, his father died and he became principal of John Darling and Son, at the same time assuming his father's position on the board of directors of BHP. In 1922 he was elected chairman of the board, although he was its youngest member. Over his years as chairman, during which he was also chairman of numerous BHP-owned companies including Australian Iron and Steel, Wellington Alluvials, Stewarts & Lloyds and Rylands Bros, and a director of BHP Collieries, Tubemakers of Australia, Imperial Chemical Industries and the National Bank of Australasia, Darling often had to face difficult meetings with shareholders. However, the company grew exponentially during his term. From 1934 defence of Australia, and particularly of the Newcastle steelworks, was his inevitable concern. He was the first chairman of the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation in 1936 and represented the corporation on the Aircraft Advisory Committee in 1941. In adapting production to wartime exigencies he worked in brilliant partnership with his close friend Essington Lewis, general manager of the company. Professionally and personally a loyal, honest and modest man, Darling's belief that only private enterprise could create a stable and prosperous economy led him to found the Institute of Public Affairs in 1942. He was a generous benefactor, particularly to South Australian institutions.