Obituaries Australia

With deepest regret Tribune announces Maurie Lachberg's sudden death at 76 years. Maurie was one of Western Australia's most devoted fighters for world peace, socialism, and working class principles.

He was Trades and Labor Council (TLC) delegate for the Building Workers Industrial Union (BWIU), never missing a meeting. At a December 1 TLC meeting a moving tribute was paid to his life and work and delegates observed two minutes silence.

Maurie joined the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners in 1929. He was a BWIU life member and the union's first organiser. He was actively involved in pressing for the establishment of the ACTU. He helped organise Perth's picket line for a 40-hour week.

Maurie was a state executive member of the ALP when he died. But in the early 40s he had been expelled from the ALP because of his close association with the Communist Party.

In his later years Maurie gave all his energy to fight for an Indian Ocean Zone of Peace. He was the TLCs delegate to the United Nations and an executive member of the WA UN Association.

Tribune extends deepest sympathy to Maurie's wife Olive and two daughters and to his many friends and comrades.