Obituaries Australia

Frederick Bamford, by T. Humphrey &​ Co, 1900s

National Library of Australia, 22931230

The death occurred in Sydney on September 10 of a former well-known resident of Mackay in Mr. Frederick Bamford, at the age of 85 (says the "Mackay Mercury”). Born at Dubbo (N.S.W.), the late Mr. Bamford served his time as carpenter in Toowoomba, where he became associated with Mr. J. G. Gralow, of Peel Street, Mackay. About 1882 he arrived in Mackay and entered into business with Mr. Gralow as builder and carpenter. He also kept a furniture shop in Victoria Street, on the site occupied by Lamberts Pty. Ltd. Mr. Bamford later became sleeper inspector on the Bowen line, then under construction; and at Bowen he conducted a hotel. In 1901 he stood in the interests of Labour for the Herbert Federal election, and was its first member in the House of Representatives, continuing a member until the expiration of the ninth Parliament in 1925. He was Chairman of the Royal Commission on the Pearling Industry in 1913, and of the Royal Commission on the New Hebrides mail service in 1915. He also was Minister for Home Affairs in 1916-17 and Chairman of Committees and Deputy Speaker of the House from February 1923. Mr. Bamford was one of the members expelled from the Labor Party owing to his support of conscription during the Great War, and there after was re-elected as a Nationalist. He is survived by three sons—Charles, Frank and Harry; and two daughters—Mabel (Mrs. Fletcher) and Ethel (Mrs. Poulsen).