Obituaries Australia

Ron [Ronald William] Hurd, well known maritime working class figure, died in Townsville and was cremated on September 6. His name was widely known particularly in Western Australia where he was secretary of Seamen's Union until he retired in 1958 and returned to sea.

Mr. Bill Bird, former Victorian secretary of the Seamen's Union, gave the oration at the funeral. He recalled that Ron Hurd was born in Melbourne in 1909 and was an early activist of the working class. At five years of age he attended the Socialist Sunday School with Lloyd and Edgar Ross, Millie Aarons (June Mills) and others.

During the Spanish civil War (1936-39) Ron joined the International Brigade together with a number of other Australians and fought against the Franco fascists.

He joined the Communist Party and remained a member until his retirement as secretary of the Seamen's Union.

Mr. Bird said: "Ron Hurd fought for the working class and socialist ideas at a time when it was not popular with many, but thanks to people like Ron, and the party of which he was a member, socialism is now well established in many countries of the world."

Tribune extends deepest sympathy to his wife Patricia and his two sons.