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Edward Matthew (Ted) Horsington (1878–1947)

Mr. Edward Mathew Horsington died in Sydney at the Waverley War Memorial Hospital yesterday after a short illness at the age of 69 years. This information was received by "Barrier Daily Truth" from Mr. M. A. Davidson. M.L.A., by telegram yesterday. On the previous day Mr. Davidson stated that Mr. Horsington's condition was dangerous. He was unable to see his old colleague, who was gravely ill and conscious only at intervals.

Mr. Horsington's health had not been good for some time, but on his last visit to Broken Hill he did not seem to be so near to collapse.

Mr. Horsington suffered a severe blow by the death of his wife, who pre-deceased him about a year ago. He is survived by a married daughter with whom he had been residing.

Mr. Horsington had a long career in the Labor Movement. For over 24 years he was the representative of Sturt in the Legislative Assembly, vacating a few months ago.

Mr. Horsington was the son of the late Mr. J. W. and Mrs Horsington, of Victoria. He was educated at Maryborough, Victoria and for many years was a pastoral and mine worker in Queensland, N.S.W. and Western Australia before entering Parliament.

For many years prior to entering Parliament, Mr. Horsington was secretary of the local branch of the F.E.D. and F.A. He was an extremely popular union official and was always on friendly terms with unionists as a whole while he occupied that position.

He was actively associated with Labor politics and represented his union on the B.D.A.A.L.P. He attended many party conferences and played a prominent part in the civic life of Broken Hill, being an alderman of the City Council.

From the time that Mr. Horsington entered Parliament, over 24 years ago, he and Mr. M. A. Davidson had worked in double harness and were at all times on the spot when the interests of Broken Hill and its people demanded. They waged innumerable fights against all types of Governments and kept Broken Hill before Ministers.

Whether it was the compensation Acts or the Darling River water scheme, Mr. Horsington was on the spot to press the claims of this district. Nobody ever worked harder or with more consistency for any reform than Mr. Horsington did to secure the Darling River scheme. He never wavered in his effort to convince the Government that Broken Hill required such a scheme, and there was no more pleased man on the day of the official opening of the work.

During various election campaigns Mr. Horsington went to other electorates to speak for Labor candidates. He was a tolerant and broad-minded man who always recognised the Labor Movement as the one to serve.

The late Mr. Horsington's death will be regretted by those who knew him. 

Premier McGirr tonight expressed deep regret at the passing of Mr. Horsington. 'He will be sadly missed by many of his former colleagues and by the Parliamentarians of all parties" Mr. McGirr added. 'He was highly respected for his courtesy, geniality and innate honesty of purpose. He was most painstaking in the service of his electorate and always made valuable contributions to debates in the House. He served the people of Sturt with diligence and sincerity for many years.'

The Deputy Premier and Chief Secretary, Mr. Baddeley and the Minister for Mines paid special tribute to the work of the late Mr. Horsington. He said the welfare of the Far West of N.S.W. was very dear to Mr. Horsington's heart and he had faithfully served the electors of Broken Hill over a long period of years. He was thoroughly conversant with the mining industry, which played such an important part in the history of his district. Any statements which he made on this subject was worthy of the closest attention. Mr. Baddeley said he extended the deepest sympathy to Mr. Horsington's daughter and his relatives in the bereavement they sustained. The Minister for Works and Local Government, Mr. Cahill, said 'Mr. Horsington held the respect of all members of Parliament. He was a persistent advocate for the people of Broken Hill and it was largely because of his determination that I was induced to recommend to the Government the construction of the pipeline to take water across the desert from the Darling to Broken Hill. When this line is completed Broken Hill will be assured of adequate water, both for the mines and for domestic use for all time. Mr. Horsington was a kindly man of happy disposition, but he was resolute where the welfare of the people of Broken Hill was concerned."

The Minister for Transport, Mr. O'Sullivan, also expressed deep regret at the passing of Mr. Horsington. 'I always found him conscientious and courteous. He went out of his way to assist the people of his district. His sympathetic nature endeared him to all he met.'

The Minister for Building Materials, Mr. Matthews, said. 'I always found him a very honorable and honest man and a very hard worker for his district.'

The Minister for Lands. Mr. Sheahan said, 'Teddie Horsington was a lovable character with a sense of humor that made him a close companion to most of the members of the House. His knowledge of western lands, attributable to his early life in the outback of Queensland and N.S.W., made his contributions to the Western Lands Settlement invaluable."

The Minister for Labor and Industry, Mr. Hamilton Knight, said, 'The late Mr. Horsington's regard in Parliament was outstanding and his devotion to his constituents unsurpassed. He was a man of sterling qualities and one who fought hard for what he felt to be right. In that way he earned the respect of every member of the House."

It was with extreme regret that the news of the death of Mr. Horsington was received, said the President and Secretary of the B.D.A.A.L.P., Messrs. G. D. Harris and A. C. Crowhurst, last night. The movement had lost a solid and staunch supporter and one who had served loyally and well, both in Parliament and before assuming that role.

'He was always prepared to do all and more than was asked of him for the workers of Broken Hill,' said Mr. Crowhurst. 'Those that knew him intimately, as many of us have done over the last 24 years, know the trying times through which he has gone in the past few years with his own illness and the death of his wife. For the past three years he has been almost a total cripple."

They referred to the sterling qualities of Mr. Horsington as a man and an M.P. His passing must be viewed with extreme sorrow by the people of Broken Hill.

Last night 'Barrier Daily Truth' joined with Messrs. Harris and Crowhurst in offering condolences to the daughtcr of Mr. Horsington.

Original publication

Additional Resources and Scholarship

  • profile, Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW), 4 October 1922, p 2
  • photo, Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW), 9 June 1924, p 1
  • profile, Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW), 29 May 1925, p 3
  • memorial drive in his honour, Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW), 10 September 1951, p 3

Citation details

'Horsington, Edward Matthew (Ted) (1878–1947)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/horsington-edward-matthew-ted-34043/text42683, accessed 11 November 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Life Summary [details]

Birth

2 May, 1878
Timor, Victoria, Australia

Death

23 July, 1947 (aged 69)
Waverley, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

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