Labor Call/1921/Death of W. E. Murphy

Death of W. E. Murphy

Perhaps the last survivor of the old school of Trades Unionism has departed in the death of Comrade William Emmett Murphy, who died suddenly in his 79th year at Daylesford last Saturday night. Old "W.E.," as he was familiarly known, was a veteran of remarkable vitality and mental power. His memory was fresh and fragrant, and many a stirring story could he tell of old time fights against the encroachment of capitalism upon the rights of humanity.

"W.E." was born in Dublin, and came to Victoria in 1852. Very early he became associated with the Trades Hall, of which he was a trustee, and also Secretary of the Council. In the maritime strike of 1890-1 he represented the workers, in association with John Hancock and W. E. Trenwith. He was also a prime mover in the Working Men's College, then known as Leopold College and founded by Francis Ormond. "W.E." was the main organiser of the successful raising of funds to supplement Ormond's gift and comply with its conditions. He was for many years an active member of the Council. He stood for Parliament in the Labor interest, and nearly got in. Perhaps it was as well he did not, as he was able to devote himself to journalism, and a history of the Labor movement, and Trades Unionism, which will remain a standard and authoritative reference for the period it covers. The funeral took place on Monday at the General Cemetery, and was attended by a fully representative gathering of Trade Union and political Labor mourners.

William Emmett Murphy did splendid work for Labor in Australia. He has left his own monument behind him in his written work, and the record of fine services rendered to democracy. Simple, yet strong-minded, he was loved as well as respected, and the "Labor Call" pays its tribute of sorrow to a veteran from whom it learnt sterling lessons of fighting fidelity to the Labor movement.