Obituaries Australia

  • Tip: searches only the name field
  • Tip: use double quotes to search for a phrase
  • Tip: lists of awards, schools, organisations etc

Browse Lists:

Cultural Advice

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains names, images, and voices of deceased persons.

In addition, some articles contain terms or views that were acceptable within mainstream Australian culture in the period in which they were written, but may no longer be considered appropriate.

These articles do not necessarily reflect the views of The Australian National University.

Thomas Dix (1860–1893)

At about half past 9 o'clock yesterday morning a fall of coal occurred in the Wickham and Bullock Island Colliery, by which Mr. Thomas Dix received fatal injuries. He and a miner named Stevenson were working together taking the side coal from a cut through, when about a ton and a half of mineral came away from a sooty back, and almost buried Dix. Assistance was speedily procured, and the sufferer was taken to the surface, and thence to the hospital, in what appeared to be a dying state. Upon being admitted it was found that the patient had sustained a compound fracture of the pelvis and ruptures of the bladder and intestines. Everything that medical skill could suggest was done, but without avail, as the sufferer died at a quarter past 1 o'clock in the afternoon. Mr. G. C. Martin, district coroner, will hold an inquest at Ralph's Family Hotel, Watt-street, at 10 o'clock this morning.

The deceased, who resided at Islington, leaves five children, the eldest being 14 years of age. Mr. Dix filled the office of general secretary to the Miners' Association for nearly three years, prior to the last appointment of Mr. James Curley, and was well known throughout the district. Unfortunately for the children Mrs. Dix died 12 months ago, and the father leaves but very little money or property. The deceased, who arrived from England some eight years ago always took a keen interest in politics, and at the last general election was announced as a candidate for Newcastle, but at the last moment he retired. For three years prior to his election as general secretary of the Miners' Association in 1889, Mr. Dix worked in the Greta Colliery, and represented that lodge on the delegate board for some considerable time. After being defeated by Mr. Curley for the secretaryship in March, 1892, he went to work as a shiftman in the Wickham and Bullock Island Colliery, and remained in that pit until his sad end yesterday.

Greta, Monday.
Telegrams were received to-day by Mr. Thos. Guy and Mr. M. H. North, informing them that Mr. Thos. Dix, late miners' general secretary, had been hurt in the pit, and had since died in the hospital. Much sympathy is expressed here for the five children who are now left without father or mother.

Original publication

Additional Resources

Citation details

'Dix, Thomas (1860–1893)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/dix-thomas-33528/text41917, accessed 29 March 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Life Summary [details]

Birth

10 August, 1860
Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, England

Death

30 October, 1893 (aged 33)
Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

Cause of Death

mining accident

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

Occupation
Key Events
Key Organisations