Labour Australia

A Labor stalwart in Miss Mary Beddie passed away at the residence of her sister, at Devonshire Street, Croydon, on Sunday evening, at the age of 77 years.

The late Miss Beddie, who was the eldest daughter of the late William Beddie, of Bathurst, was born in the City of the Plains and came to Sydney as a young woman. She was one of the founders of the Labor Movement in the 'eighties, and later formed the first Labor League in Surry Hills, she was keenly interested In the movement for women's adult franchise.

She was responsible for the formation of the Howard Prison Reform League, of which she was president till her death. She was also connected with the Women Justices' Association.

In 1928, the late Miss Beddie was a member of the Australian delegation to Scotland, and, while away, made investigation into the different prison systems in England and on the Continent.

A strong supporter of "The Labor Daily," she read every issue from the first day of its production till within a day or two of her death, even having the paper sent to her while abroad.

Members of the Howard Prison Reform League heard with regret of the death of their president, whose remains were cremated at Rookwood yesterday afternoon. The league was represented at the funeral by Mr. S. Rosenberg, J.P.. vice-president, and Mr. Norman Saskisthall, JP hon. secretary.