Obituaries Australia

Mr. Arthur J. H. [James Huet] Watts, branch secretary of the Australian Workers' Union, died in St. John of God Hospital on Monday morning at 6 o'clock, following an operation. By his death, the Western Australian Labor Movement has lost one of the most staunch supporters on its industrial side, and in the words of a telegram from Mr. John Curtin, Australia's greatest union has lost one of its greatest figures.

"One of the finest men in the Labor Movement. He never bore a grudge; he fought hard for his fellow workers, but fought cleanly. And his word was his bond."

That tribute was paid to the late Mr. Watts's memory on Monday by one with whom Mr. Watts had had frequent occasion to negotiate industrial agreements; and it is typical of the esteem in which he was held by all to whom he was opposed in the conduct of the business of the office of branch secretary over a period of years. All agreed that he was a fine character.

To hundreds of workers in the outback country and in the metropolitan area, Arthur Watts was guide, philosopher and friend; and the best tribute to his sterling qualities of loyalty and integrity is provided in the fact that for more than 20 years the members of his organisation re-elected him each year in the face of opposition to the position of branch secretary.

One of the last honorary tasks he discharged for the Labor Movement was the chairmanship of Mr. Kenneally's committee at the recent by-election. At the big meeting of Mr. Kenneally's supporters the feeling was unanimous that Mr. Watts should be chairman — no other name was suggested. It is typical of the man he was that although the illness which ultimately claimed him was then in evidence, Mr. Watts carried out his task over a strenuous three weeks campaign, deferring his entry to hospital until the day before the election.

Mr. Watts, who was born at Huntley, near Bendigo (Victoria) 56 years ago, came to Western Australia at the age of 16. He engaged in mining in the Menzies district, and married there a few years later. Removing his home to Perth, he secured employment with the Sewerage Department, and was elected secretary of the General Workers' Union.

When that body was amalgamated with the A.W.U. 23 years ago, Mr. Watts was elected branch secretary for W.A., and was re elected to that office every year since then.

Despite the heavy demand made on his time and talents by the duties of his office of branch secretary, Mr. Watts took his fair share of honorary service in the cause of Labor.

He was for many years a member of the State Executive of the Australian Labor Party and also of the State Disputes Committee.

In 1920 he was elected as a Labor member of the Perth City Council and served for three years, when he resigned on the then burning subject of the town hall and civic offices. His protest was endorsed, and he was re-elected and served another year on the Council.

Another office filled by him was the vice-presidentship for the Commonwealth of the Australian Workers' Union.

As Labor candidate he unsuccessfully opposed the sitting member for Perth in the House of Representatives (Mr. E. A. Mann) at the 1928 general elections.

Few men have been more earnest or more helpful than he in their support of "The Wcstralian Worker." On the death of Mr. J. K. Holman in 1925 Mr. Watts was chosen by his fellow directors to be Chairman of Directors of The People's Printing and Publishing Co., a position he filled continuously until his death. His valuable guidance on the directorate and his friendly encouragement of the staff of "The Worker" will be greatly missed; and the esteem of "The Worker" organisation was shown in the full attendance of the staff of all departments at the last rites.

At the meeting of the State Executive of the A.L.P. on Monday night, the President (Mr. P. J. Mooney) referred to the death of Mr. Watts, by which, he said, the Labor Movement had suffered a severe loss. "There was no more loyal Laborite than the late Mr. Watts," the President said, in moving that a message of condolence be sent to the widow and family.

The motion was carried, members standing.

"Arthur Watts lived for his union, believing that no sacrifice was too great to make for the benefit of the union."

That tribute to the memory of Mr. Watts was paid by the State President of the Australian Workers' Union (Mr. A. H. Panton, M.L.A.).

The passing of Mr. Watts had created a gap in the industrial organisation which would be keenly felt, Mr. Panton continued. Arthur (as he was best known to those associated with him) was one of the old school of trade union secretaries. Having held the position for over 20 years, he saw the State branch of the A.W.U, grow to its present position.

He was a man of simple tastes, never at any time attempting to seek personal popularity, but steadfastly carrying on his job as he believed it should be done.

During my association with him, as president, over the last six years, I found out his real worth: for, whilst he made no pretence of being an orator, but relied on hard facts to win through, he generally succeeded in convincing those about him by his logic. A firm believer in Arbitration, he was ever ready for a fight if the necessity arose. He was at his best at a round table conference, when his good temper and quiet method of argument were much more impressive than flights of eloquence.

Arthur has paid the penalty of devotion to duty: for he should have been in hospital long ago: but insisted on carrying on.

The industrial movement has lost a keen fighter: the members of the A.W.U, a loyal officer: and I, personally, have lost a very fine mate.