John McDonald (1877–1933)
from Labor Daily
With the sudden death yesterday of Mr. John McDonald, of Northumberland Avenue, Stanmore, who was secretary of the Ship Painters and Dockers' Union, a prominent and popular figure in the Labor Movement, has passed away.
Mr. McDonald was on a visit to several of his members at Balmain when he collapsed in Darling Street. When taken to Balmain Hospital by Contral Ambulance he was found to be dead.
Born in Glasgow in 1876, he arrived in Australia when 20 years of age. Throughout he has taken a prominent part in Labor's affairs. He was president of the New South Wales branch of the Ship Painters and Dockers' Union for 34 years, and had occupied the position of secretary for over 10 years. For 13 years he was Federal president of the organisation, and only a few weeks ago succeeded to the position of Federal secretary.
Mr. McDonald first joined the Labor Party 33 years ago, and took a leading part in its activities. He was associated with the Stanmore and South Annandale branches for many years, and was on numerous occasions a delegate to annual conferences of the party.
He was president of the Six-Hour Day and Labor Demonstration Committee last year, and at the annual meeting was appointed a trustee. In a big degree he helped to make last last year's procession and art union a pronounced success.
As one of the delegates to the last A.C.T.U. Congress at Melbourne, Mr. McDonald fought all the way with the delegates from New South Wales, and assisted to mould the policy that has been adopted by the movement throughout Australia.
Possessed of a ready wit, Mr. McDonald was held in high esteem by all sections of the Labor Movement. His loss will be keenly felt.
In addition to his union activities, he was a financial trustee of the Trades Hall Association. He was appointed a director of Sydney Hospital in 1927.
He leaves a widow and grown-up family.
The Labor Council last night adjourned as a mark of respect of the late Mr. McDonald. A motion of condolence with the relatives was carried by members standing in silence.
Original publication
Other Obituaries for John McDonald
- Sydney Morning Herald, 10 March 1933, p 10
Additional Resources and Scholarship
- photo and brief profile, Labor Daily (Sydney), 13 January 1927, p 8
- photo of the 7 men accused of perverting the course of justice over the Port Lyttelton ship, Sun (Sydney), 23 July 1924, p 1
- Judge Edwards directed the jury to acquit the men, Sun (Sydney), 23 July 1924, p 9
- an all-star show is held to raise funds for his widow, Labor Daily (Sydney), 6 July 1933, p 3
Related Entries in NCB Sites
- McDonald, John
- Evernden, Arthur Stanley (colleague)
- Shearer, Samuel (colleague)
- Falkingham, Thomas (colleague)
- Pinkerton, Robert Corry (colleague)
- Johnson, Jacob (colleague)
- Heffron, Robert James (colleague)
- Edwards, David Sutherland (judge)
Citation details
'McDonald, John (1877–1933)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/mcdonald-john-32714/text40665, accessed 26 December 2024.
Life Summary [details]
Birth
1877
Glasgow,
Lanarkshire,
Scotland
Death
9 March,
1933
(aged ~ 56)
Balmain, Sydney,
New South Wales,
Australia
Cause of Death
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
Key Organisations
- Unions NSW
- Balmain Laborers' Union (NSW)
- Australian Railways Union (NSW)
- Federated Ship, Painters and Dockers' Union (NSW)
- Federated Ship, Painters and Dockers' Union (national)
- Sydney Hospital