Obituaries Australia

Mr. Thomas Ivey, former Mayor and one of Broken Hill's oldest and best known residents, died last night at the age of 86 years and five months. The death occurred at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. J. Davey, 161 Pell-street, Railway Town.

Born in Cornwall in 1851, Mr. Ivey sailed to Australia with his parents in the 'Adamant'. He was then 14 years of age. His father went to Kapunda, and Mr. Ivey became apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade, serving his indentures with Hawke and Co., where he remained for 20 years.

Mr. Ivey came to Broken Hill in 1901 and was appointed engineer to the City Council. On his retirement he was elected Labor member for Burke Ward, and in 1906 was elected Mayor

During his term as Mayor the electric light works, at a cost of £12,000 and street lighting, at a cost of £6,000, were erected. The Municipal Abattoirs also started during his mayoralty.

Mr. Ivey, who was a justice of the peace, was founder of the Cottage Homes Association which built homes for widows, and was secretary of the Blacksmiths Union for 12½ years. For his work in the union he was presented with an illuminated address on his retirement in 1933.

For a number of years he was secretary of the Barrier Carters' Union.

An ardent church worker until a few years ago, Mr. Ivey was responsible for the erection of the Nicholls-street kindergarten hall, Railway Town, and in recognition of his work the hall was named Ivey Hall.

For 30 years he was associated with the Nicholls-street Methodist Church, and for 19 years he was president of the young men's class. It was Mr. Ivey's proud claim that he had one of the biggest young men's classes in Broken Hill. At one stage 53 young men attended his class. He was also a lay preacher for the Methodist Church.

Mr. Ivey had been a Freemason for 30 years and was also a member of the American Order of Oddfellows and the A.O.F.

ln latter years Mr. Ivey spent his time composing poems, and had a collection of about 80 poems.

He was an enthusiastic member of 2BH Smilers' Club, and one of the most popular members. He was frequently visited by many of the younger members.

Mr. Ivey leaves a grown-up family of three sons—Messrs. Richard (Queenstown), Albert (Prospect), and Stanley (Menindee) and five daughters—Mesdames J. Ford (Menindee), F. Summerton (Gawler), T. Grenfell, A. Walsley and J. Davis (Broken Hill).

The funeral will take place to-morrow, the cortege leaving Ivey Hall at 11 a.m. Prior to the funeral a service will be conducted by Rev. R. L. H. Tilbrook. The interment will be made in the Methodist Cemetery in the same grave as his wife, who predeceased him in July, 1934.

The arrangements will be attended to by Fred J. Potter and Son.