I did know that his critic was correct regarding Jack’s library. Quite recently I had the pleasure of looking over his bookshelves again, one of the finest private libraries I have ever seen, and am certain that ten, rather than two, tons would adequately express its weight to-day.
It may have been owing to his nationality that Jack was appointed Treasurer; but whatever the reason, the Federation had in him a very capable official. For Dowgray possessed a keen and well-balanced mind. His judgment was at all times tempered with caution, and his wide administrative experience made him an invaluable officer.
Others who helped to make the Federation were men like J. Fulton, of Huntly, a bluff, outspoken Yorkshireman who never knew defeat, but was always ready to “come again.” No policy could be too radical for Jim; he just thrived on the militancy of the movement. And though, in later years, the employers victimised him with particular venom, he took his medicine like the man he was.
Then there was Mark Fagan, of Reefton, an Australian with a wide and varied mining experience. As Secretary of the Inangahua Miners he played a big part in amending legislation for the protection of the lives of the metal miners. Though inclined to sit back in the breeching while many others felt disposed to indulge in a gallop, Mark, nevertheless, was an influence in the movement, and one whose opinion was always worth while.
I recall, too, two splendid comrades from Otago—W. (Bill) Hollows, from Green Island, and R. (Bob) Ridd, of Kaitangata. Both these men kept abreast of the Federation’s forward policy, and in this respect were well ahead of the organisations they represented.
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