Obituaries Australia

R. J. (Bob) Mulvey, who was for many years one of the best-known men in the Labor Movement in Brisbane, died on Saturday last after a long illness, aged 67. As secretary of the Labor Day Committee especially, Mulvey was a familiar figure, and in all that he undertook he showed a special gift for organisation. He had been a trade unionist from his boyhood. He was a foundation member of the Moulders' Union, and for more than twelve years, beginning in 1897, was its secretary. It was in 1906 that he became secretary of the Eight Hours Committee, and he held that office 17 years. The Industrial Council, the Trades Hall Board of Management and the Labor Day Committee amalgamated in 1923 and became the Queensland Trades and Labor Council, and Mulvey was elected secretary of the new body. He held the position for twelve years, remaining in it until his health became so bad that it was impossible for him to continue. He had so loved his work and had been unremitting in his attention to duty for so many years that it was with the utmost reluctance he gave in. He remained a trustee of the Trades Hall to the end, and was also a member of the Queensland Central Executive of the A.L.P. He was one of the union leaders elected to the Legislative Council prior to and for the purpose of its abolishment. His latest union membership was in the Clerks' Union.

His funeral was largely attended by old friends in union and Labor circles, among whom were George Lawson, M.H.R. (one of the pallbearers), Senator Collings, and others. Mulvey was born in Brisbane and was unmarried.