Obituaries Australia

The death occurred in Melbourne early yesterday morning of Mr. Alfred E. O'Brien, general secretary of the Professional Musicians' Federation, and secretary of the Musicians' Union of Australia (New South Wales district). Mr. O'Brien was attending the annual conference of the Federation, and had a seizure during the week-end. He died in the Melbourne Hospital without regaining consciousness. Mr. O'Brien for many years figured prominently in the musical, sporting, and political life of Sydney.

Born at Parramatta in 1868, Mr. O'Brien was educated at the Marist Bros.' School, Parramatta, and afterwards at Riverview. As a young man he was closely associated with musical matters in the Parramatta district. An excellent cornet and trumpet player, he conducted the Professional Musicians' Band for many years. As recent as the last Eight-hour Day he was conductor of this band at the Agricultural Ground. In 1891 he married Miss Ellen Mary Cranney, of Parramatta.

Mr. O'Brien held both his secretarial positions for over 25 years, and was president of the League of Wheelmen at the time of his death. He had a very successful career himself as a racing cyclist. In the days when the late J. Megson, D. J. Walker, and other great riders were in their prime, Mr. O'Brien, then a slim youth, was one of the speediest sprinters, and he won championships competing against them. About 20 years ago he filled second place in the Summer Wheel Race to J. J. Curley, and later was awarded the first prize in the Sydney Thousand, the richest handicap race ever run. He was also commodore of the Botany Sailing Club. Mr. O'Brien was a member of the executive of the A.L.P. for several terms, and was for years a delegate to the Trades and Labour Council. He leaves a widow, four sons, and two daughters. One son was killed during the war.

The funeral will take place in Sydney on Thursday afternoon.