Vale Cobber

Silent Billy & Pasty Jack

Bill Williams was known to all as "Silent Billy". He received this nickname due to his ability to vocalise his opposition in no uncertain form to the bosses on the waterfront or wherever he encountered injustice.

Bill was born into a poor family in Redfern prior to WWI. In his early years he witnessed war and depression and at an early age, like so many others of his generation, tramped the Wallaby track seeking non-existent employment during the depression years.

He joined the AIF when WWII began and served in the 7th and 8th division of the A.I.F. in New Guinea. I am reliably informed he joined the Communist Party of Australia about this period.

Bill found his true home when he started work on the Sydney Wharves and where he joined the Waterside Workers Federation on 20th October 1954. Among the men who toiled in backbreaking labour and poor conditions, conditions far removed from those of today, he found solidarity and comradeship. His membership in the CPA taught him many things, the most important to Bill's way of thinking was the edict of Marx:

"Philosophers have interpreted the world in various ways; the point is to change it."

Bill dedicated his life to those words and spent a lifetime trying to transform this world into one free from exploitation, war and injustice.

Bill transferred to Port Kembla in 1964 and became a job delegate participating in the daily struggles of the union to gain and protect the conditions of his fellow workers. He was an activist in the broader issues such as the struggle of the Indonesian people to gain independence from Dutch Colonial rule. He opposed the wars in Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War of 1991, took part in the Anti Apartheid movement and the Anti Nuclear movement.

Wherever the blue and white flags of the peace movement were raised, Bill was there also. He had first hand experience of the evils of war and that shaped his opposition to it.

He was also active in his community and assisted in the establishment of the Berkley Sports and social club

Bill visited the Soviet Union during his working life and, like so many, was devastated by the collapse of the Socialist block. His faith in the inherent good in socialism as opposed to the evils in capitalism did not falter and long after retirement when he was in his seventies he visited Cuba as part of a work brigade. He returned home invigorated by his experiences there.

Bill retired from the workforce in 1963 and received life membership in his union for the contribution he had made to it. On retirement he joined the Retired Members' Association where he held the position as vice president. Bill heeded their slogan of "RETIRED FROM THE WORKFORCE - NOT THE STRUGGLE." He continued to take up issues affecting not only pensioners but also the broader community. He was a delegate to the South Coast Area Council of the Combined Pensioners Association and was active in other areas.

Picket lines became a home away from home for Bill and he spent countless hours on those at the Hoyts Theatre, Port Kembla Hospital, Sandon Point, Ships of Shame, The Patrick's lockout to name a few.

In his final years, Bill was dogged by ill health. One broken hip followed by another, long spells in hospital and a slow descent into what seemed to Bill to be a dependency on others.

He lived alone in a small house painted red and green, the colours of his beloved South Sydney Rabbitohs. He had good neighbours and friends who kept a watchful eye on him. However, it was obvious to those who had contact with him and no doubt Bill himself, that other arrangements would have to be made for his future.

The prospect of being confined to a nursing home held no appeal for Bill. He was a man who had taken care of himself and his mates all his life. So in what many would call a supreme act of courage, Billy ended his own life on January 3 this year.

Before doing so, he left instructions that he only wanted some of his old mates to say a few words about his life and that his casket be draped with a red flag and the blue peace flag. He also requested that the "Internationale" be played. Bill's final wishes were carried out on January 16.

I do not wish to end this small tribute on a sad note for if anything Billy Williams was a joyful person. He was a great yarn spinner; he loved to sing and recited the poetry of Lawson and Patterson. He loved company and a beer and for many years was a dedicated punter. If my information is correct he was an excellent home brewer, and I can attest to his cooking ability especially Anzac biscuits that were in plentiful supply when we were on the picket.

He will live on in the memory of those who knew him as a good friend, a wonderful comrade and a true son of the working class.

John Arthur Lowrey came to be known as Pasty Jack due to his virtuosity in handling the brush and paste when action was called for to advertise some campaign or other.

Jack was born in Orbost, Victoria in 1916 to parents who had migrated from Britain in the late 1880's. His parents were tenant farmers and from his early youth Jack knew poverty and exploitation. He was 15 when his family split up and Jack decided to head north in search of work. His mode of transport was a pushbike, and when the inner tubes were no longer functional, he stuffed the tyres with grass and gum leaves and rode on.

After years on the track, years of hardship and deprivation, Jack arrived in Port Kembla and found employment in the coke ovens of the recently re-located steel works. The work here was arduous and underpaid and Jack like many others camped on what was known as "The Hill."

Things must have improved enough for Jack to contemplate marriage for in 1937 he married a Port Kemblan girl, Jean Veronica Larken (always known as Ronnie). They established their home in Mt. St Thomas and their family expanded to include two sons.

In 1950 Jack obtained employment on the Port Kembla wharves and joined the WWF. He was never a member of a political party, but I think it would be true to say he also obtained his political education from the comrades on the waterfront. He was a staunch unionist and campaigned vigorously on the many issues the union took up.

One can never think of Jack without thinking of Ronnie who was his true mate.

Jack had long since discarded the push bike in favour of a motor bike and sidecar which provided transport for not only Ronnie, cans of paste and sundry posters and leaflets but also their dog Flash. They became a familiar sight around the district where the old bike, with Jack at the helm would shudder to a halt amid smoke and exhaust fumes with Ronnie clinging on tenaciously and Flash yapping frantically.

They made a spectacular sight when they joined the May Day parade down Crown Street with banners flying and Flash adorned with some current slogan leading the way.

Both Jack and Ronnie were made life members of the May Day Committee. They were fearless in defence of workers rights, peace and justice and there was never a campaign waged round these issues that they did not participate in.

Apart from being a paste-up artist Jack was good at painting banners and would be called on to do so whenever a banner was needed. I was reminded of the time when the new wave of feminism was sweeping the world and Jack was to paint a banner for either IWD or May Day. He was given the slogan "I am woman, I am strong, I am invincible". We went to check on his progress and Jacked looked at us and said, "If you are so bloody good, why am I painting this banner?"

Jack retired from the waterfront aged 65 and after Ronnie's death he still battled on, a familiar sight on pickets, at May Day, Peace Rallies, wherever workers were demonstrating.

But then came the on-set of ill health Jack was no longer able to care for himself, spending time in hospitals and nursing homes. Occasionally he would make an escape in an endeavour to pursue his old life but these episodes became fewer and finally ceased. Last May Day I took a photo of Jack with two old mates Fred Moore and Ray Harrison and I think that may have been his last public appearance.

Jack spent his remaining time in a Bulli Nursing home where some of his old mates visited him regularly. He died there in March of this year.

These comrades were part of a generation that is vanishing. That generation experienced war first hand and knew poverty and hardship during the great depression. They held on to their beliefs tenaciously throughout the Cold War years when it was dangerous to do so.

We owe them a debt of gratitude for a lifetime contribution to improving the lives of workers and their families locally, nationally, internationally.

Joe Hill, the American labour leader who was executed by firing squad in Utah in 1915, gave this advice to the International Workers of the World...

"Don't waste time in mourning for me. Organise"

Those words would be a fitting epitaph for Bill and Jack.

Doreen Borrow

Lakes Height, NSW

Dave Holman: True Son of the Working Class

Farewell to a good workmate and unionist. I was sad to hear of Dave's passing. I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Dave in 1985 when I transferred into the Port of Brisbane and placed in Panels 15 and 16 with him until his retirement in 1988 under the Robinson Formula.

Dave was always willing to pass on his knowledge of the history of the Brisbane Branch of the then Waterside Workers' Federation to new members and transferees.

He was at one stage or another on all Committees within the Branch.

Dave was also fundamentally involved with winning holiday pay and loading, sick pay, paid smokos, long service leave, compassionate leave and the seven and one roster, amenities, such as tea, coffee, milk and sugar to name a few.

He was always on hand to take up collections for members and for others and families who found themselves in trouble.

Dave also played a big part in the fight against the then, Joh Bjelke-Petersen Government and the final defeat of that Government. And he also supported the SEQEB workers and other trade unions.

He was always on hand to give advice to new young delegates from his years' of knowledge, and also not only fought the fight to win conditions, he also fought to maintain them.

When I was elected as VO in 1994 in the Brisbane Branch of the then WWF, now the MUA. we kept in touch through the Old Wharfies' Club. Dave's fundraising efforts every week for bus trips and other outings plus the Christmas Party for the Retired Members of which Dave was elected as an Official were tireless.

Dave will be missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him. When past and present members talk of the so-called good old days Dave will be remembered with great respect.

Dave Holman Senior a true son of the working class.

Jeff Langdon

Southern Queensland Branch and Life Member

Larger than Life

David Henry William Holman, better known as Dave. He was the eldest son of Dave and Ruby Holman, and brother of Ethel, Arthur and Eric, also sister Clara who is deceased. He was born on 8th March 1928 a Kangaroo Point.

He was 14 years old when he started his first job as a tinsmith plumber, even then watching his pennies. He worked long hours for 12 shillings and six pence. Working 44 hours a week. His many jobs included working on a barge, which dredged the river and on a dairy farm.

In May 1956, Dave started on the Brisbane River Wharf. In July that same year he experienced his first stoppage, one of many.

Through his love of football- he was a lifetime member of three footie clubs- Dave met and fell in love with his lovely wife Gladys. They had four children - David, Norman, Helen and Catherine. He was grandfather to 11 grand children and one great grand-daughter.

On his retirement Dave became Secretary and Treasurer of the Waterside Workers Retired Members Association and retained that position for 11 years. Many memorable bus trips and functions were had by all the members. He enjoyed the last Christmas party sitting at the top of the table organising and counting the money. This is how many will remember him.

Dave had a quick wit, great sense of humour and the most loving nature. He will be missed by anyone who even had the pleasure of meeting him. Small of stature but larger than life.

Dave joined the Waterside Workers Federation in May 1956. He was a proud union man and activist. Dave also became a life member of the Maritime Union of Australia, Southern Queensland Branch.

Even in retirement he was very active in the Retired Members Association being their immediate past Secretary/Treasurer, who represented the Association at the inaugural meeting where the concept of the Maritime Union of Australia Veterans Association was debated in September last year. Dave also attended the function in Sydney which was a culmination of the International Solidarity Conference hosted by the MUA and miners.

Dave suffered a long illness and passed away on February 9, 2003 and the funeral service was held on Thursday, February 13 at the East Chapel, Mt Thompson Crematorium.

A wharfie and proud trade unionist Dave Holman will be missed but not forgotten.

Charlie Bell

Bulimba, 4171

Harold Guy Lawson: Staunch Unionist

It was with sadness that I learned of the passing of dear Guy who died peacefully in his sleep on the March 7 aged 95 years. I first met Guy on the "Manunda" in 1950 and admired him for his staunch union attitude. Also I admired him for his neat and tidy appearance on and off the job. I remember him telling me as a first tripper that to be a good unionist, you had to know your job and do your job and I quoted this many times before I retired in 1986. The good conditions enjoyed on the ships today were fought for and won by staunch unionists like Guy and others in the 1950's. He stayed in touch with the MUA through the journal until his final days which proved his dedication to seafaring. I extend my sympathy to Guy's sons Peter and Rob, their industry families and Guy's many friends.

Nicholas Garlick (Retired)

Melbourne, VIC

Jack McGarrity: Shipmate

It is with profound regret that I report the passing of a personal friend, shipmate and very fine unionist, the late Jack McGarrity. Jack died in his home town of Nowra where he was highly regarded and respected.

I sailed with Comrade McGarrity from the early 1950's to the mid eighties on various ships and was shipmate with him on SS Iron Dampier for nearly eight years

Jack was an individual who never shirked his Union obligations and would never miss a stop work meeting or protest rally and in days now long past when we were struggling to get conditions like a salary, paid leave and single berth accommodation you could always depend on "Wee Jack". He may have been small in stature, but he always did his job and better than most.

Comrade McGarrity was one of the many stalwarts of the then Seamen's Union whose efforts laid the foundations for the progress and improved conditions that the MUA workers now enjoy. Jack belonged to an era now past but his memory will live forever in the minds and hearts of those who sailed with him. I know Jack had no immediate family in Australia, but he did have many friends.

Keith Proudlock

Life Member

Phillip Jordan: Chief Cook

Phillip Jordon suffered a very debilitating throat cancer for the past 14 years. He passed away in January.

He mostly suffered the pain he endured quietly, showing the strength and character of the man in his bid to overcome his terrible illness.

He went to cancer clinics to help patients with laryngectomy cancers learn to talk again as Phil's cancer took his voice.

Doctors so admired Phil's determination to learn to talk again, they asked if he would assist in helping other patients. Phillip readily agreed.

Born in born in November, 1933, Phil first went to sea as a cook in 1959. In 1965 he came ashore and married.

He stayed ashore for several years and became a champion ten pin bowler winning many events and finally running a pro shop at Canberra Bowl.

The sea called him back in 1969 and there he stayed until 1989 when his cancer was diagnosed.

Phil was a good bloke. He loved a bet and a cool drink on a hot day. As well he was a good raconteur of yarns, which I had the privilege of enjoying along with many others on and off the ships.

Farewell my friend. I watched you suffer for so many years. It broke my spirit to see one man endures such pain.

I can only hope your final resting place at the furlong post at Royal Randwick gives you eternal satisfaction and the peace you deserve. Sadly missed by all. Vale.

Barry Morrie

Book No 734

Lin Thompson: Shipmate

My friend and shipmate for more than 45 years passed away at St Vincents, Melbourne in March, following a battle with cancer. We both worked on a Dane the SS Poul Carl in the early fifties, before moving to a few ketches - Bass Strait Cowboys and B Boats roll on roll of Black Widows among others.

Lin also did a lot of volunteer work on the Polly Woodside with the late Jack Davy and Geoff Swayne Jnr, becoming a life member this year. Lin's last ship on the coast was the Sandre Maree. He is survived by his wife Josie and two daughters.

Jim Lang

Melbourne

Edward "Paddy" Boylan: Storyteller

Edward "Paddy" Boylan ashes were cast into the sea off Fraser Island in February, fulfilling a promise made to him by his friends and comrades in Newcastle.

Chief Steward, Andy Morris of the MV Seakap, organised a service conducted by the Master, Captain F. Nicholson and Paddy was at last back where he always longed to be - At Sea!

We mourn the loss of another character of the Australian Coast.

Eddie passed away in January and a small service was held at Palmdale Crematorium attended by George Murray, Frank Rippingille, Jim Bourne and the Morris family, (who kindly cared for him after a stroke in 1987, until he had to have 24 hour medical care).

After the service we placed a wreath in his honour on the Memorial at Norah Head.

As I said earlier Eddie was a character who often brought his audience to tears of laughter with one of his stories of events in his life, stories that always had an element of truth in them, so you could not disbelieve anything he said, no matter how improbable it may have seemed.

Eddie was a good unionist, shipmate and human being who tried to bring joy to all he met and the union is poorer for his passing.

James F Bourne

Life Member

Norm Darcy: Half Century at Sea

Norman Frank Darcy passed away in November. He was a seafarer for 49 years. The Australia Star was his last ship.

Norm retired in 1974 to live at Booker Bay on the Central Coast. He died aged 74 and was cremated at Palmdale.

His ashes will be scattered at sea.