SERGEANT E. J. CAREY DEAD

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2910, 24 October 1916, Page 4

SERGEANT E. J. CAREY DEAD

A PROMINENT UNION SECRETARY.

Widespread rogret will be expressed at the news of tie .death from wounds in Franco of Mr. Elijah J. Carey, for many years well known in Wellington as the secretary of the Hotel Cooks, Waiters, and Restaurant Employees' Union, who left New Zealand as an n.c.o. in the Thirteenth Iteinforcements. The late Mr. Carey was an. ardent unionist. Having been a waiter himself ia Wellmgton'within the memory of many, he knew exaotly "where the shoe pinched," and it was very largely through his efforts that better conditions for such workers were obtained in New Zealand. As he was a married man, and not of particularly robust, physique, Mr. Carey's enlistment in the forces caused considerable surprise in Labour circles, but it was known that he felt the call so strongly that he "could not keep out of it," as he said ono day to a Dominion reporter. Now he has paid the toll —greater sacrifice no man can make —his memory will be respected among all classes of the community with whom he came into contact. Mr. Carey was born in Gympie (Queensland) about forty years ago, and served an apprenticeship with A. G. Stephens to the printing trade; but a settled occupation could not hold him, and -for many years he wandered on sea and land, working as steward on steamboats or as waiter in hotels. South America, the United States, Great Britain, and the Continent he visited in this way. The Coolgardie rush saw him- return to Australia to try his luck in tho mines. Coolgardie hrought him little gold, but ho witnessed his first close introduction to tho Labour movement. The interest which was awakened by his service on the Coolgardie Trades Council was never lost. Some ten years ago .he came to Now Zealand, and shortly afterwards took over the .secretaryship of the Hotel Workers' Union. His J enorgy soon made the union an active force. He set Jvimself to organise tho trade in other parts of New Zealand, and succeeded remarkably -well. Then he conceived the idea of securing for hotel workers a sis-day weok. To this reform the strongest opposition was displayed. It was refused by Parliament and denied by the Arbitration Court, but in the end the littlo. secretary won through. Not only the six-day week, but considerable advances in wages and improvements in conditions were duo to Mr. Carey's advocacy in the Arbitration Court and his work in the lobbies of tho House. Apart from his own, union, Mr. Carey worked hard for tho advancement of Labour by political action. He represented Wellington at numerous Trades Council Conferences, and took a leading part in the formation of tho United Laoour Party. When the absorption of that organisation in ths United Federation of Labour and Social Democratic Party was proposed ho raised Iris voice in opposition. At various times ho was a candidate for tho City Council and for Parliament, but was never successful. Just prior to his enlistment ■ho rendered great service to the unionists of Now Zealand as their representative when the Arbitration Court was considering whether it should resume its functions in wartime. He -was deputy-representativo of the workers' unions on the Court. Being intensely loyal, volunteered for military service a s soon as he could comply -with the physical requirements. Not only was he .well known in New Zealand, but in Australia he was regarded by such men as Mr. Fisher, Mr. Hughes, and Mr. Holmau as one of the soundest and most level-headed of Dominion Labour men. Great sympathy will bo felt with Mrs. Caroy in. her loss.

As a mark of rospect the flags afc Newtown Park yesterday, where tlin Labour Day Carnival was held, were flown at half-mast.