Obituaries Australia

A veritable veteran passed away on June 24 when Mrs. Helen Robertson died at Collingwood at the age of 89 years. A native of Scotland she arrived in Australia in 1853. Mrs. Robertson was a foundation member of the Tailoresses' Union, which was formed in 1880. The Union was launched under huge difficulties and in opposition to some so-called 'Christian' employers. The Union was soon confronted with struggles. In 1883 there was a strike of the women workers. They succeeded in obtaining an increase in their wages from 27/6 to 30/- a week.

Mrs. Robertson was subsequently identified with the Clothing Trades Union. Her other activities were many and varied. She was formerly a delegate on the Trades Hall Council, and was for a long time a member of the executive of the Eight-Hour Committee.