Hello ODK History Lovers

This post forms part of one of the most important articles I have written in this History Forum.

It is of some historical interest and importance that we know the answer to a simple question:
Who was our first Australian power lawnmower manufacturer?

It is generally true that our lawnmower industry started in the 1930s, after tariff protections,
designed to foster local manufacture of secondary goods, were introduced. There was a clear belief
that Australia - now a Commonwealth Nation - should be self-sufficient in the manufacture of many
household goods.

However, prior to this "first wave" of Australian companies (that made lawnmowers), there were a
couple of companies that I do believe are of more significance because - against all odds - they
started local manufacture and design of truly Australian lawnmowers.

The candidates are the great South Australian firm of Scott Bonnar; the other, the unheard of
NSW firm of Lark, Parkes and Company. It is my contention in this article that the latter firm
were our first power mower manufacturers (by 'power' I mean electric or gasoline powered).
Larke, Parkes manufactured a small range of mowers known as the 'New Moon' lawnmowers.

[Linked Image]

This article explores what I know about the Lark, Parkes Company.
If you would like to know about their New Moon mowers, click HERE.

TO BE CONTINUED ...