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Luke Jones (1882–1919)

Death has claimed another prominent member of the working-class movement in the person of Mr. Luke Jones, who died as a result of a long standing complaint on May 21 last.

Deceased, who was 35 years of age at his death, and a native of Liverpool (England), came to Sydney eight years ago, and, associating himself with the International Socialist Party threw himself into the working class fight of this country. A forceful speaker and writer, he soon made a name for himself as an exponent of Marxian philosophy, and was always a prominent figure on the Sydney Domain of a Sunday afternoon. During the conscription issue he, with other members, left the Socialist party over a difference of tactics— deceased contending that as the Labor Party was fighting militarism they should support them to the fullest extent. He founded the Social Democratic League, and soon secured a large following, devoting the whole of his energies as secretary in placing the new organisation on a sound footing. 

Some six months ago, owing to failing health, he was forced to give up active work. From that day his health grew gradually worse, and death must have been a happy release to the valiant Socialist, who fought an heroic fight, often at times when he was suffering untold agony.

The funeral took place at Woonona cemetery last Sunday, and was largely attended. The Socialist burial service was recited, and as the earth closed over the mortal remains of the dead Socialist, all present sang "The Red Flag."

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Citation details

'Jones, Luke (1882–1919)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/jones-luke-34156/text42851, accessed 11 November 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Life Summary [details]

Birth

1882
Liverpool, Lancashire, England

Death

21 May, 1919 (aged ~ 37)
Arncliffe, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Cause of Death

tuberculosis

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 or Descriptor
Political Activism