Obituaries Australia

At his home at 158 Newton Lane yesterday, Mr. William Frederick Rowe collapsed and died suddenly. He had been in ill health in recent years and in the end heart trouble affected him.

The late Mr. Rowe was for many years an active and honest exponent of Labor's cause. Born at St. Sever, Cornwall, 77 years ago, Mr. Rowe came to Broken Hill more than half a century ago. At once he became prominently associated with the trade union movement. He was soon one of the leading men in the F.E.P. and F.A., the union that covered his calling — that of an enginedriver. He was president of this union six times. In the early part of the present century the late Mr. Rowe was secretary of the Barrier Labor Federation that in many respects was a body similar to the B.I.C. He formed the Port Pirie branch of the F.E.P. and F.A. He was one of the very first in the agitation to found a Labor newspaper and was on the original Board of control of 'Barrier Truth.' He was one of those who carried on the agitation for a Labor daily and was on the first Board of Control of 'Barrier! Daily Truth' that was launched in 1906 — the world's first Labor daily.

Mr. Rowe was actively associated for more than 40 years with local Labor affairs and was a Labor alderman for 18 years. He was a member of the combined unions committee during the lockout in 1909.

Mr. Rowe was a personal epic of sincerity and honesty of purpose. He was a devoted Labor adherent throughout his life.

Mr. Rowe worked for many years on the line of lode and for some years until recently as a steam enginedriver for the Water Board, since when he had lived in retirement.

The late Mr. Rowe is survived by a large family of sons and daughters, all married. The funeral will take place today leaving 158 Newton Lane at 4 pm. Fred J. Potter and Son have charge of the funeral arrangements.