Obituaries Australia

Even though he knew he was dying, Mr. Thomas John Treloar, M.P., wrote to the Deputy Leader of his party a few days before his death discussing problems of his party's future.

This was disclosed by the Deputy Leader of the Country Party, Mr. McEwen, during tributes paid by all Members to Mr. Treloar in the House of Representatives yesterday.

Members, standing in silence, carried a motion recording their former colleague's meritorious public service and expressing sympathy to his family.

As a mark of respect the House then adjourned until to-day without transacting any formal business.

Early yesterday a special plane flew leading members of the Government parties, including the Treasurer, Sir Arthur Fadden, and Opposition members from Canberra to Tamworth to attend Mr. Treloar's funeral.

The Prime Minister, Mr. Menzies, moved the motion of' tribute and condolence immediately the House met yesterday afternoon.

The motion was seconded by the Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Evatt, and supported by the Deputy Leader of the Country Party, Mr. McEwen, and Mr. Roberton (Riverina).

Mr. Menzies said Mr. Treloar was a man of the highest character, a man with a remarkable and devoted sense of service and a man of no pretentious but those of the utmost, unaffected humanity.

Mr. Treloar, he said, had enlisted with the A.I.F. in the First World War and had served on Gallipoli and in France with the 18th Battalion.

As a result of wounds received on active service his eyesight was gravely impaired.

In the Second World War he again offered his services and had charge of No. 40 Squadron, Air Training Corps, with the rank of Squadron-Leader.

"It is not possible on occasions such as this to use many words. Indeed, they are quite unnecessary; but I would like to say this about him—that he was a man of the highest character. Because of his character and because of the services he rendered to his country in peace and war, he enjoyed the affection of all in this House," Mr. Menzies said.

The Leader of the Opposition, Dr.Evatt, said Mr. Treloar's record of service had been remarkable. He had been prominent in the public life of Tamworth and the New England district and had contributed a great deal to the deliberations of the House.

All knew the great affliction he bore through injury to his eyesight, and all knew how courageously he carried on and how indomitable he was in spite of his handicap.

Dr. Evatt said three members of the Opposition had gone to join Mr. Treloar's colleagues from the other side of the House to pay their last tribute to him.

No one in public life had shown greater courage in his service to the country than Mr. Treloar.

The Deputy Leader of the Country Party, Mr. McEwen, said the Country Party members felt profoundly the death of their colleague and very dear friend.

"He is a very great loss to the Australian Country Party," Mr. McEwen said.