Obituaries Australia

Mr William Mears, who until his retirement three years ago was one of the oldest trade union secretaries in years and service, died at his home at Stanley Avenue, Eltham, last night, aged 77. He is survived by two married daughters and four sons, three of whom are in the AIF. His wife died in 1925. For more than 50 years he was a trade union leader and secretary of the Bricklayers' Union. To his memory the red flag was flown at half mast at the Trades Hall to-day. He was widely known as 'Boxer' Mears. As a youth he played football with the Carlton Club and cricket with Carlton in the A.N.A. competition. The funeral will leave Robson's Funeral Parlors, 630 Brunswick Street, North Fitzroy, for the Fawkner Cemetery tomorrow at 2.30 p.m.