Labour Australia

Senator Richard Henry Nash, who entered the Federal Parliament as a Labour representative in 1943, collapsed and died suddenly at his home in Subiaco yesterday morning.

Senator Nash had not been in good health since his recent return from Canberra, and apparently suffered a heart attack at breakfast time yesterday.

He was a sound debater with a background of study in economic and political fields.

His knowledge led to his selection in 1945 as adviser and consultant to the Australian delegation at the post-war conference at San Francisco.

Born in Victoria 61 years ago, he was brought by his parents to Kalgoorlie in 1897. As a youth he trained as a junior mechanic and later was on the staff of the "Kalgoorlie Miner."

He had a long association with trade unionism in this State and was one of the founders of the Kalgoorlie Tramways Union in 1912.

In 1915 he joined the Perth tramways service and six years later became secretary of the Perth Tramways Employees' Union, a position he held for 17 years.

His association with the metropolitan district council of the Australian Labour Party began in 1917, and at different periods he filled the offices of treasurer, trustee and president and secretary.

Senator Nash unsuccessfully contested the Subiaco seat in the Legislative Assembly in 1930.

He left a widow, three sons and a daughter.