Obituaries Australia

Laborites throughout Queensland will learn with the keenest regret of the death at Brisbane on Saturday afternoon of John Payne, member for Mitchell.

Associated with the Movement since its inception in the stirring days of the early nineties of last century, the late "Jack" Payne has a fine record of service unmarked by blot or blemish of any kind.

Born in Spring Valley, Goulburn (N.S.W.), on November 9, 1860, he came to Queensland in 1882, where he worked a while as shearer and miner. Nine years after his arrival in this State he found himself in the midst of the big shearers' strike of those days, when, the first strike committee having been jailed, he took a place and played an important part on the second committee that carried on the conduct of the conflict. Afterwards, things having settled down meanwhile, he started as blacksmith and wheelwright in Longreach, carrying on the business for four years. In 1905 he was returned as member for Mitchell at a by-election, and has represented that constituency continuously ever since, being unopposed on a number of occasions.  For over 20 years he was a trustee of the A.W.U. branch at Longreach, and for some years he was a member of the Public Works Commission and chairman of the body. He possessed an extensive knowledge of land matters, and his speeches on the land question were always worthy of attention. His prominent association with industrial matters also gave him a sound grasp of questions pertaining to labour and industry. His disposition, bright and cheerful, and his reputation as a straight-goer, made him popular with his fellow members on both sides of the House, with whom he was held in the highest esteem.

The body was removed to Longreach, where the interment is to take place to-day (Wednesday)

Deceased is survived by six daughters and three sons — Mrs. M. Murphy (Toowoomba). Mrs. J.' McConachy (Charters Towers), Misses Cecilia Payne, Payne, Veronica Payne, Lily Payne and Madeline Payne,  and W. Payne, Clarence Payne, and Jack Payne. His wife predeceased him about four years ago.