Obituaries Australia

Barrier unionism was robbed of another staunch supported by the death of George ("Scotty") Allan on Tuesday, Dec. 4th, at the South Mine.

Allan and his mate, Daniel Blanks, were engaged in freeing a mullock pass on the 425 level at the South Mine on Tuesday morning and "Scotty" had descended into the pass to a depth of about 30 feet to free the pass which had hung up at what is known as a "set-off." For purposes of safety a rope had been lowered and Allan had fashioned a loop at the end, thus making what is known as a "boatswain's chair"; in addition to this he had passed a light lashing rope around his body and further secured himself against accident.

After one or two unsuccessful attempts to free the pass he asked for a longer bar and a few minutes later the pass gave way suddenly and seemingly carried Allan with it.

His mate Blanks heard him shout, and running to the top of the pass he seized the rope, only to find that "Scotty" was not there.

Assistance was procured and, after about twenty minutes, the body was taken out of the bottom of the pass, but it was found that he had been killed by the fall, suffering a fractured skull.

The funeral was held on Wednesday morning at 11 a.m., and a large crowd of sympathisers and friends showed the respect and esteem in which he was held by all. The ceremony was conducted under the "Red Flag," and a few words were said at the graveside by Messrs. Wetherell, Miller and Anthony.

Comrade Allan, who leaves a widow and an adopted daughter to mourn his loss, was a member of the W. I. U. of A., a member of the management committee of that body, an ex-member of the Barrier Industrial Council, an active member of the M.M.M., and a new member of the Communist Party of Australia.

Broken Mill mourns the loss of this staunch working class fighter, and will find it hard to replace him in the ranks of organised labor on this field.