Labour Australia

Mr. Edward Parkes, formerly a stalwart of the Miners' Federation, and a prominent athlete of the Wallsend district, died recently at Wallsend, where he had been a resident for 55 years. He was 74 years of age, and was a native of Victoria. His calling as a Wallsend miner was responsible for his having been a trades unionist unionist of the old school. At one time, when he was employed in the old Co-operative Colliery, he was for several years chairman of the Miners' Lodge and also the lodge's delegate on the District Board. He also took an active part in the affairs of the Wallsend Miners' Lodge. As one of the leaders of the federation. He was also a zealous member and former chairman of the old Wallsend and Plattsburg Political Labour League. He also gave good service as a member of the Board of Management of Wallsend and Plattsburg Co-operative Society for several years. In his younger days he was one of Wallsend's enthusiastic cricketers, and was a good all-round athlete. Through failing health, he relinquished his employment in Wallsend Colliery six years ago. He is survived by a wife, four daughters, and three sons. There are also 32 grandchildren and a number of greatgrandchildren. The daughters are —Mrs. A. Hopkins (Wallsend), Mrs. J. I. Kempt (Sydney), Mrs. G. E. Lewis (Lambton), and Mrs T. Elsley (Wallsend), and the sons — Edward (Hamilton), and William and Hedley, both of Wallsend. Another daughter was Mrs. B. Bell, who died some years ago. Another son (John) was killed in action in France in 1917.

There was a large and representative attendance at the funeral to the Methodist Cemetery, Wallsend. Rev. Scarth Fleming officiated. Pall-bearers were — Edward Hopkins and Edward Parkes (grandsons), and Messrs. R. Cruickshank and W. Herd, Secretary and Treasurer respectively of Wallsend Miners' Lodge. Ald. T. R. Davies, the Mayor of Wallsend, and several of his colleagues were also present. Wreaths were received from — His loving Wife, Andrew and Ellen and family, Tom and Olive and family, George and Eva and family, Ted and Mary and family, Jim and Lavinia and family, Will and Molly and family, Hedley and Mollie and family, Mr. and Mrs. R. Ferguson and family, Mrs. J. Estell and family, Mr. and Mrs. Hedley Hopkins, Fred and Dorrie Roberts, Amram Lewis and family, M. Hardes and family, Mr. and Mrs. Frazer and family, Hamilton Citizens Band, Boolaroo and Sulphide District Band, Mr and Mrs. Sid Edwards and family. Members of the Lambton Lodge, M.U.I.O.O.F.