Labour Australia

The many sincere expressions of regret voiced yesterday morning when it was learned that Mr. Frederick Victor Gregory, secretary of the Western District branch of the Miners' Federation, had passed away the previous night at his residence in Bridge-street, testified to the esteem in which he was held, and the loss felt at his demise.

Mr. Gregory had been in bad health for more than a year, and had been on sick leave for some weeks but, although this long period of illness had left its mark upon him, and he was but a shadow of his former self, that his death should occur with such suddenness was a distinct shock to his legion of friends. Mr. Gregory appeared to be in fair health when he attended a meeting of the committee of the Lithgow Co-operative Society — of which he was treasurer for years — on Monday night, but before it concluded he collapsed, and had to be removed to his home in the ambulance. Medical aid was summoned, but Mr. Gregory passed away before this reached him.

A native of the north, the deceased gentleman had resided in Lithgow for over 20 years. After he first came to the town, Mr Gregory worked in the steelworks, but later entered the mines. Here his organising ability and integrity were soon recognised, and he was appointed treasurer of the western branch, which position he occupied for five years. Then he was elected secretary, and that he continued to hold the confidence and esteem of the members was evidenced by the fact that he filled the office for 13 years, up to the time of his death. Mr. Gregory had represented the district on various coal tribunals, and councils, and was always a staunch unionist, and advocate for the men's rights. Their organisation will be much poorer by his passing.

The late Mr. Gregory, was rightly regarded as one of the most level-headed union secretaries in the Commonwealth. Always ready to take up the cause of his members, he was possessed of a commonsense viewpoint and knew when it was advisable to give as well as to take. In this way he was instrumental in settling many disputes and his rugged honesty in all his dealings was appreciated by the employers, who recognised also his adherence to his convictions. His was a sterling character, allied to courtesy and strength of purpose, attributes which contributed largely to the success with which the deceased's many duties were discharged.

Mr. Gregory, was comparatively a young man, being in his 49th year, and has left a widow and family of three, to whom the heartfelt sympathy of their many friends will be extended, particularly to Mrs. Gregory, who, as a charitable and church worker, has always interested herself in those hard hit by the hand of fate.

The funeral took place this afternoon, interment being made in the Presbyterian portion of the cemetery. Rev. P. Hope, B.A., officiated at the graveside, and the number of friends who attended to pay their last respects, including a very large number of local miners, who preceded the hearse, was testimony of the deceased’s popularity. Indeed, as a tribute to his memory the whole of the collieries in the valley were idle to-day.