Patrick Joseph Taaffe (1870-1938)

Obituary
MR. P. J. TAAFFE DEAD.

Goldfields Labour Officer.

KALGOORLIE, Jan. 14.—Mr. Patrick Joseph Taaffe, a former member of the Boulder Municipal Council and presi- dent of the mining division of the Australian Workers' Union, died suddenly in the St. John of God Hospital today about half an hour after admission. He was 67 years of age. Born in Ireland, the late Mr. Taaffe came to Australia in 1884 and settled at Boulder in 1893. He was elected to the Boulder Municipal Council in 1928 and held office until last year, when he was defeated. He had been a member of the local executive of the Australian Labour Party for some years.
 * The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879-), Saturday 15 January 1938, page 21.
 * http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/41607434

Loss to Trade Union Movement

The secretary of the State executive of the Australian Labour Party (Mr. P. J. Trainer) said yesterday that Mr. Taaffe was one of the pioneers of the trade union movement on the Goldfields and could always be relied upon to show loyalty to the movement. His long association with the goldminers of the State was a fitting example to the younger men who were now engaged in the mining industry. To "Paddy" Taaffe these young men were under a deep debt of gratitude. The trade union movement, not only on the Gold fields but throughout the State. would be the poorer for his passing. The general secretary of the State branch of the Australian Workers' Union (Mr. V. Johnson) said that the union had lost one of its pioneers and most loyal supporters. Mr. Taaffe virtually died in harness. He visited Perth last week to attend a meeting of the State executive of the union, although he was a sick man. The long journey to and from Perth possibly contributed somewhat to his death. On behalf of the officers and staff of the union he offered his sympathy to Mr. Taaffe's widow and relatives.
 * The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879-), Saturday 15 January 1938, page 21.
 * http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/41607433

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