Labour Australia

Duty and responsibility to his fellow man were the guiding principles of the late Mr. Richard Northey's life in Lithgow, the Member for Hartley (Mr. J. Chalmers) said on Saturday afternoon after the funeral of Mr. Northey at Bowenfels cemetery.

"The passing of Richard Northey will be sincerely mourned by all who knew him. He could he truly called a foundation member of the industrial and political movement, both in Lithgow and the electorate of Hartley. He was very active in that period when it was not popular to be associated with the Labor movement, a man of high ideals and principles, and not easily deterred from expressing his point of view on what he thought was right," Mr. Chalmers said, adding—:

"He never sought political gain for himself and his service was one of love for the movement. As secretary of Hartley and District Labor Day Committee for a record period he was perhaps responsible for the fact that this committee has functioned continuously for a period of over 50 years.

"Mr. Northey was not a 'yes man' and could not be intimidated. He had strong views as to what should be expected from those who represented both the industrial and political movement in various spheres. His keen interest displayed up to the last year or so was remarkable. I had the privilege of calling at his home and conveying him to the polling booth on the occasion of the last municipal election.

"Many people suffering physical disabilities such as he was suffering would not have been the least interested in casting a vote, but sheer determination and a belief in his mind that it was his duty were responsible for him voting on that occasion."

Mr. Chalmers concluded: "It is a pity that many who hold a high position in the industrial and political world today are not imbued with a spirit of service and loyalty such as inspired Richard Northey, and we can truly say that, while we regret his passing, he will always hold a place in our hearts because of his service to the people."

At the graveside the Rev. J. Mills, of St. Paul's Church of England, Lithgow, referred to the character of the deceased and said he had done much for his friends and citizens as a staunch and sterling unionist, who lived to do what he thought was right in the interests of his fellow men— a man they regarded with admiration and pride.

Earlier a combined Lodge of Sorrow was held at the Masonic Temple where the Masonic activities of the late Very Worshipful Bro. Northey were lauded by many speakers touching on his devotion to the order in the Lithgow district.

In the Church of England portion of Bowenfels cemetery the Masonic service was conducted by Wor. Bro. R. M. Spence, W.M. of Lodge Independence No. 8, and Wor. Bro. R. Gillard, W.M. of Lodge Independent Lewis No. 592.

Pallbearers for the deceased, who is survived by a sister, Mrs. Callan (Burwood), and a brother in New Zealand — his wife predeceased him about two years ago — were Messrs. Allan Northey (Lithgow) and C. Callan (Sydney), nephews, and Very Wor. Bro. H. H. Williams, Wor. Bro. H. Orchard, Wor. Bro. J. McMurtrie and Bro. W. Murray, representing the Masonic Lodges. The remains were laid to rest by the side of his late wife.

The funeral was conducted by the Metropolitan Burial and Cremation Society in association at Lithgow with Messrs. Wood and Wood.

There was a representative gathering at the graveside.