Obituaries Australia

Mick Connington, n.d.

Sydney Morning Herald, 4 December 1930, p

The death occurred yesterday, after a short illness, of Mr. Michael Joseph Connington, M.L.C. For the past 15 years Mr. Connington had carried on the business of industrial advocate. He was a highly popular member of the Labour movement. Mr. Connington was born at Roscommon, Ireland, and came to Sydney with his parents at an early age. He received his education at the Marist Brothers' school, Darlinghurst, and started life as a traveller for a Sydney firm. He left, however, for New Zealand, where he resided for some years. On his return to Sydney he was appointed secretary of the Trolly and Draymen's Union when Mr. W. M. Hughes was president of that organisation. In recognition of the services he rendered to the Labour movement he was appointed to the Upper House in 1919. He figured as industrial advocate in all the big cost of living and basic wage inquiries for many years. On several occasions he conducted cases gratis for clients who were financially embarrassed. During his illness, which extended over three months, he was visited at his home in Pellisier-road, Putney, by many callers, including Supreme Court Judges and solicitors. Mr. Connington leaves a widow and five children, the youngest aged 11.

The funeral will leave his residence at 1.45 p.m. to-day for Rookwood.

Referring to Mr. Connington's death yesterday, the Chief Industrial Magistrate (Mr. Prior) said that Mr. Connington had fought the battles of the workers with the utmost vigour, but always with reasonableness. He extended sympathy to the bereaved family.