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Daniel Rees (1833–1905)

This entry is from Obituaries Australia

A well-known and widely-respected pioneer and sturdy advocate of trade unionism in the person of Mr. Daniel Rees passed away at his late residence, Plattsburg, on the 24th November. The deceased had reached the age of 72, and up to the time of his fatal illness had enjoyed remarkably good health. Mr. Rees was recognised as having been one of the founders of the Colliery Employees' Federation, which was then known by a less distinctive appellation, and for several consecutive terms he held the position of district president, in which, as well as in minor capacities, he rendered excellent service to those he represented, and did much to consolidate the forces of unionism, of the principles of which he was looked upon as being a most vigorous and capable exponent. The first, if not the only, venture at co-operation in coal mining in this district found him identified as a director of the ill-fated movement initiated in the early days at what is now known as the Co-operative Colliery. Apart from his connection with mining affairs, Mr. Rees took an active and intelligent part in the establishment of institutions and the promotion of movements calculated to operate for the public good, and in this respect it may be mentioned that he was one of the original founders of the local Elsteddfod and the Plattsburg Mechanics' Institute. For some time he was identified as an alderman with the local borough council. He took a keen interest in politics, and was invariably well to the front in championing the cause of democracy. Candidates whose views in this connection coincided with what was deemed essential for the well-being of the masses and progress of the State, found in him a staunch and valiant henchman, whose eloquence and support on such occasions lent much additional interest and zest to election campaigns in many a well-contested fight. Mr. Rees was a native of Caermarthenshire, Wales, and, with the exception of a comparatively brief period spent in the Lithgow district, where he was principally employed in the work of shaft sinking and prospecting, he had been located in various parts of the Newcastle district for well nigh 50 years. A widow and grown-up family of two daughters and five sons are left. The funeral was well attended, and included a number of aged compatriots and old local and district identities. Messrs. J. Curley and S. Rower, secretary and president of the C.E.F., D. R. Wakins, M.H.R., J. Estell, M.P., and several ex-officers of the federation were present. The burial service was conducted by the Rev. Mr. Leach, of the Baptist Church. The proceedings were concluded by the singing of a hymn in the Welsh language.

Original Publication

Additional Resources

  • death notice, Newcastle Morning Herald (NSW), 2 December 1905, p 4

Citation details

'Rees, Daniel (1833–1905)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://labouraustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/rees-daniel-32118/text39686, accessed 30 March 2024.

© Copyright Labour Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Birth

11 April, 1833
Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, Wales

Death

24 November, 1905 (aged 72)
Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

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