Obituaries Australia

To open the door of a 'batch' across Kline-street from the Weston Co-op. Stores on Wednesday morning and there find the body of Thomas O'Toole, 67, miner at Hebburn No. 1, lying on his bed, was the startling experience of Mr. A. W. Henderson, Senr., baker, of Weston.

Noting that the bread left on Monday and Tuesday had not been taken in, led to the discovery; otherwise, as deceased lived alone and the mines are not working, the demise may not have been discovered for days.

The funeral took place yesterday afternoon from the residence of deceased's brother, Mr. Edward O'Toole, Edward-street, Kurri, to the Roman Catholic portion of the Kurri cemetery.

A native of County Durham (Eng.), the late Mr. O'Toole came to Australia many years ago, and was employed at Stockton Colliery; of the miners' lodge of which he was secretary for a long period, and a militant unionist. Manager of the Stockton Co-op. Society, Alderman for many years and also Mayor of Stockton Municipal Council, he was quite a figure in the land and a strong, well-liked personality.

When the W.A. goldfields rush occurred 30 years ago, he was in the forefront and chose the better, or, at the least, the surer way of going into business as a general storekeeper. He had two partners.

Deceased became a resident of Weston about nine years ago, and was well and favorably known. But he had rested of late from his usual activity in labor circles. He removed to the place of his death since Xmas.

The widow and two daughters residing at Coolgardie (W.A.) survive; and, besides his brother, Edward, a nephew, Mr. Thomas O'Toole, Jnr., is secretary of Pelaw Main Miners' Lodge. To the bereaved we extend our condolences.

As his medical adviser certified that death was the result of heart trouble, an inquest was dispensed with.