Obituaries Australia

Mr. Thomas Walter Vine, an esteemed member of the Carpenters' Society, and a man who was respected not only by the working classes who were his immcdiate associates but by all who came in contact with him, died on Monday last. He was born in the City-road, London, on 21st June, 1796, and on arriving at maturity carried on the business of a carpenter and builder. He always took an active part in political, parochial and philanthropic matters, and was a great advocate of the Reform Bill. He was intimately connected with the late Daniel O'Connell and William Cobbett, and was the first to suggest that Ireland should be included in a bill before the House of Commons to do away with the rotten boroughs of England and Scotland, for which Daniel O'Connell thanked him on behalf of the people of Ireland. He received handsome testimonials from the churchwardens of the parish of St. Luke's and the City-road Benevolent Society, of which he was president when he left London in the year 1853 for Melbourne. From the moment of his arrival in the colony he took a prominent part in political matters, and was recognised as a leader of the working men, especially in Collingwood, where he resided for many years. His whole life was devoted to the object of improving the condition of his fellow workmen, and he was one of the chief agitators for the establishment of the eight hours system of labor in this colony. About nine years ago he met with an accident which materially affected his health, and had in consequence to retire from active work, and he died at the ripe age of 86 years, leaving a widow 84 years old.