Obituaries Australia

The death of Mr. Peter Laurence O'Loghlen, M.L.A., for Forrest., which took place at the home of his brother at Minnievale early yesterday morning was not unexpected, for a severe attack of pneumonic influenza in 1919 left his lungs affected, and latterly his many friends had realised with deep concern that the end could not be long delayed.

The passing of Mr. O'Loghlen removes from the public life of the State one of its best-known and most genuinely popular figures. Though always an uncompromising Labourite, 'Peter' as he was affectionately known by everybody, had nothing but friends in all parties. This was not because he lacked convictions or vigour in expressing them, for his vigour of thought and expression was in keeping with his powerful frame. But the late member for Forrest was always essentially fair in his criticisms, and he had such a sunny genial personality than even his bitterest political enemies could not help loving him. The milk of human kindness had a big part in his make-up. Poor, suffering, or unfortunate humanity never appealed to him for assistance in vain while he had a shilling or could borrow one for its benefit.

Mr. O'Loghlen was a South Australian by birth, and came to this State at the age of 20 years. He worked in the timber industry in various districts, and subsequently did mining work on the Menzies and Laverton fields. While thus occupied he was actively associated with the trade union movement. Eventually he became general president of the Labour Party in Western Australia, and was in the chair at a special conference held in March 1917, and at an interstate conference held in Perth in the following year. At the time of his death he was secretary of the Parliamentary Labour Party, a position he had held for several years. He was a member of the executive of the Timber Workers' Union.

Mr. O'Loghlen's first bid for political honours took place in 1907, when he stood unsuccessfully for the Swan seat in the House of Representatives against Sir John Forrest. During the next year he entered the State Legislative Assembly as member for Forrest. He resigned in 1910 again to oppose Sir John Forrest for the Swan electorate and repeated the effort at the 1913 Federal election. On each occasion he was defeated, and the vacant seat in the State Parliament was held temporarily by other Labour nominees, who stood down in his favour. Since his re-election in 1913, Mr. O'Loghlen had represented Forrest practically without opposition. He was unmarried, and was in his 41st year.

The Secretary of the State Executive of the A.L.P. (Mr. H. Millington) stated yesterday that the party's records show that from his youth Mr. O'Loghlen had been actively associated with the political and industrial work of the Labour movement, and had always been regarded as one of the most able advocates of Labour's policy. He was recognised by all Labourites as a loyal and great-hearted man, and his many kindnesses to those in need would long be remembered.