Obituaries Australia

Mr. Charles J. Burge, South Australian branch secretary of the Timber Workers' Union, and a member of the union for nearly 50 years, died suddenly at Ballarat yesterday morning. He was on his way to Melbourne to attend a meeting of the Federal council of the union.

Mr. Burge, who was 65, had been secretary of the South Australian branch of the union for about 28 years. He was also Federal vice-president of the union, and had previously been Federal president on several occasions.

Although born in Adelaide, it was in Melbourne that Mr. Burge first became associated with the union. After his return to this State from Victoria, he was elected to represent the Port Adelaide branch on the Port Adelaide Trades and Labor Council. He joined the Adelaide branch when its membership was only 25. He was president from 1901 to 1905. He also served as president of the Adelaide Trades and Labor Council.

Mr. Burge appeared before the Federal Arbitration Court and the State Industrial Court on a number of occasions for the union. He was responsible, for obtaining many improvements in wages and conditions for his members.

The Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Richards) said last night that he had known Mr. Burge for many years. He was a thorough, energetic and reliable trade union official.

The State ALP secretary (Mr. F. F. Ward) said that the loss of Mr. Burge would be felt deeply at the Trades Hall, he was an enthusiastic and capable worker in the industrial cause.