Obituaries Australia

Horace Ratliff, a Communist Party member of long standing, who died on Wednesday, December 31, will be remembered as one of the anti-fascist victims of the Menzies Government at the outbreak of World War II. With Max Thomas he was sentenced to jail for possession of communist literature. Then, following their release, both men were interned without trial. They undertook a hunger strike to break through the conspiracy of silence of the Government and the press, and won support from the trade unions throughout Australia, which organised 24-hour stoppages for their release.

The united strength of the unions in this campaign helped bring about the defeat of the Menzies and Faddon governments.

The funeral service for Horace Ratliff was conducted by Max Thomas.

Tribune expresses deep regret at the loss of such an outstanding figure of the Australian labor movement, and extends deep sympathy to his wife and family.