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Ernest Bracher Purnell (1866–1954)

Approximately 100 waterside workers and representatives of other unions marched in the funeral of the late Mr Ernest Bracher ("Pa") Purnell yesterday afternoon.

Mr Purnell, who was 87 years of age, was born at Swansea (Wales) and arrived in Australia at an early age. He first worked as a miner at Broken Hill and later on station properties in Queensland. Afterwards he was a waterside worker at Rockhampton, and in 1901 was secretary of the union, a position he filled until he retired in 1938.

Mr Purnell was a personal friend of the late Mr William Morris Hughes, former Prime Minister, and first president of waterside workers' unions when they became federated. He was regarded as a stalwart worker for the Labour Party.

He is survived by two daughters, Mesdames M. Reid and A. Paterson (Rockhampton) and two sons, Messrs Ernest B. Purnell and F. Purnell (Rockhampton).

The service at the crematorium was conducted by the Rev. C. Brown.

Pall bearers were Messrs V. J. Cooper, MLA, T. Guthrie (Depot Hill ALP). H. Boyd (Druids' Lodge), C. Sait. B. Davies and Jack Ward (Waterside Workers' Union).

Mr H. R. Gardner (chairman) represented the Harbour Board, of which Mr Purnell was a former member.

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'Purnell, Ernest Bracher (1866–1954)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/purnell-ernest-bracher-34622/text43541, accessed 14 October 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Life Summary [details]

Birth

27 September, 1866
Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales

Death

25 July, 1954 (aged 87)
Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia

Cause of Death

influenza

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

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