Labour Australia

'It was, with deepest regret and a sense of personal loss, that I learnt of the passing of my esteemed friend and sterling unionist, Daniel Boyle, who died at Longreach on June 30, aged 91 years, 11 months,' said Branch Secretary Fallen to-day.

'My friend shared with Charles Sullivan, of Sydney, the honour of having established an all-time record of financial membership in the A.W.U. Both of these great men joined the A.W.U. in 1886 and were continuously members of the union for approximately 58 years.

'A nation-wide survey for the member with the longest financial membership in the A.W.U. disclosed that Boyle and Sullivan had been continuously financial since 1886 and as we were unable to decide who had taken out his ticket first they were both presented with gold medals in honour of their long association with the union.

'Until very recently, Charles Sullivan was contributing to 'The Worker' and, like Dan Boyle, had full possession of all his faculties, except that unfortunately, Dan, became almost blind before his death.

'It is difficult to say whether Boyle or Sullivan received his ticket first. Charlie Sullivan received No. 1 ticket the year the union was formed, and the ticket can now be seen in the Mitchell Library, Sydney; but at that time, as at present, tickets, are numbered numerically from one upwards and it could have been that Dan Boyle, received his ticket no later than the first ticket was issued to Charles Sullivan. In any case it is not important. What is important is the magnificent loyalty to principle which sustained these two great men during their long, active association with the union to which they devoted their lives.

'Dan Boyle was a truly lovable character, rich in all those qualities which go to make up a real man and unionist. The world is a better place for his having passed this way. And the people of Australia and particularly the working class, owe more than they can ever hope to understand to the pioneers, who, like Dan Boyle, fought the battle for humanity, now, unfortunately, forgotten by many who reap the benefit of their sacrifices.

'I extend my deepest sympathy to all those good mates who mourn the passing of a great, man.'