Labour Australia

A stalwart of the local Labor movement. Mr. Alf [Charles Alfred] Fritsch died suddenly at his home last night. He was among the best known of the City's industrial figures. His death came as a shock to his many friends.

Death occurred shortly after he had left a social dinner in honor of the visiting Miners' Federation officials at the Royal Exchange Hotel. Mr. Fritsch returned home shortly before the social ended and complained of chest pains. A doctor was called but Mr. Fritsch died shortly after.

Mr. Fritsch was born in Broken Hill 63 years ago. He retired from the North Mine last November after many years of service. He had been a member of the WIU. of A. for over 40 years holding various executive positions and was a Central Councillor for 25 years.

Mr. Fritsch, who was a single man, is survived by two sisters, Mrs. N. Causon (Adelaide), and Mrs. A. K Hamilton. The funeral will take place tomorrow leaving Mrs. Hamilton's residence, 417 Thomas Street, at 4 p.m. for the Methodist Cemetery. He was a member of the G.U.O.O.F. Hope of the North Lodge and was chairman of the B.I.U. band.

Mr. Fritsch was prominent in all aspects of public life apart from his activities in the industrial field, he was for some years an alderman of the City Council and was a trustee of the Mines' Pension Fund.

During the depression he organised the local unemployed, campaigning for a better dole and more milk for the children. His efforts brought him into conflict with the Government of the day but he eventually achieved his objectives.

On the occasion of the visit of the State Governor (Sir Phillip Game) Mr. Fritsch, as head of the unemployed, entertained the Governor and Lady Game. He took them to see the poor of the city and at a ball in the Palais presented leading local citizens to the visitors. The occasion was unique as Sir Phillip Game came here under the patronage of the unemployed.

So touched was Lady Game with the plight of the workless that she had cases of groceries sent to some of the families she had visited.

Mr. Fritsch was noted for his sincerity in all his undertakings.

Many of Mr. Fritsch's closest friends were still at the social last night when they received word of his death. They were all deeply shocked.

Baker & Woodman have charge of the funeral.

Mr. H. C. Pearce, Deputy Town Clerk, said: "I desire to express my regret at the passing of Alf Fritsch, whom I have known since school days. Mr. Fritsch is best known to me for the valuable assistance he rendered the unemployed of Broken Hill during the depression. He became active in this work just at a period when the Mayor's Unemployed Relief Fund was finding it difficult to raise finance to carry on. With his organising ability and honesty of purpose he brought the scheme to a financial success. He was one of the prime movers in inviting Sir Phillip Game, then Governor of New South Wales, to Broken Hill for the purpose of getting assistance from the Government for the unemployed. The visit was a financial success and the unemployed received valuable consideration from the Government through the visit."