Lord Provost Sir Peter Meldrum, centre, receiving an honorary degree on the occasion of the inauguration of the University of Strathclyde at the Kelvin Hall in April 1965. Also in the photograph are trade union leader Frank Cousins, left, and Dr Clark Kerr, the distinguished Californian professor.
Peter Meldrum was only 29 when he was elected to represent Fairfield ward on Glasgow Corporation in 1939. A trade union official, he went on to a successful career as a businessman. He served on a number of important committees and was able to provide a number of sites for new industrial estates when he served as Convener of the Planning Committee in the post-war years. He was a magistrate, and other posts held included City Treasurer, 1955-1958.
After 17 years as secretary to the Labour Group, Meldrum became its chairman in 1958. In 1963 he was elected Lord Provost. A fluent speaker and tireless campaigner, he played a major role in persuading the Government to move the headquarters of the Post Office Savings Bank, with 6,000 jobs, from London to Cowglen. He died in office, in October 1965.
Reference: P5/4
Reproduced with the permission of Strathclyde University Archives
Keywords:
banks, civil service, councillors, graduation ceremonies, honorary degrees, industrial estates, Kelvin Hall, Labour Party, lord provosts, magistrates, planning, Post Office Savings Bank, professors, trade unions, trades unions, treasurers, University of Strathclyde
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