Obituaries Australia

Mr. W. T. [William Thomas] Corby, who has been secretary of the Hobart branch of the Federated Engine-drivers' and Firemen's Association since 1923, died suddenly at his home, 83 Brisbane Street, at an early hour on Saturday. The deceased had been under treatment for an internal complaint for some time, and was to have had an operation shortly, but was in good spirits on Friday. A friend who took him home in his car happened to ask him how he felt, and he replied that he was feeling quite well. However, early on Saturday morning deceased suddenly expired. It is understood that heart failure was the immediate cause of death.

Mr. Corby was a native of Victoria, and came to Tasmania about 25 years ago, residing at Queenstown. There he remained for about 20 years, and while there always took an active interest in union activities and the Labour movement in the locality. He was also interested in hospital affairs, and was a member of the Queenstown Hospital Board. Besides being secretary of the Hobart branch of the F.E.D. and F. Association he was an officer of the Federal Council and Executive of that body, and held the position of Federal President. Last year he was president of the Hobart Trades Hall Council. He was a member of the Sea Fisheries Board and the Board of the Hobart Public Hospital at the time of his death. He leaves a widow and three young children, two sons and a daughter, the boys being pupils of St. Virgil's' College. He has two brothers in the employ of the Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Co. at Queenstown. It is believed that deceased's father and mother are both living. A staunch unionist, of moderate views, Mr. Corby earned the respect of those who came in contact with him.

Deceased, who was immediate past president of the Trades Hall Council, was to have taken the chair at Saturday night's meeting of that body. It is understood that he was also to preside at a meeting at the Town Hall next Thursday evening, when the Premier (Hon. J. A. Lyons) will deliver his policy speech.

The funeral will leave his late residence, 83 Brisbane Street, for Cornelian Bay Cemetery at 4 o'clock this afternoon.

The Premier (Hon. J. A. Lyons) expressed keen regret on Saturday at the death of Mr. Corby. Mr. Lyons said that Mr. Corby was a man highly respected, and of moderate views, whose opinions carried much weight in Labour circles.