People Australia

Thomas Henry Bell (1883-1964) printer and trade union leader 

Birth: 21 December 1883 at Redfern, Sydney, New South Wales, son of Sydney-born parents Charles David Bell, commission agent, and Lucy, née Webber.  Marriage: 27 May 1911 at St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Church, Lavender Bay, North Sydney, to native-born Frances “Nellie” Dillon, lady’s help. They had two daughters. Death: 31 July 1964 at Neutral Bay, Sydney. Religion: Methodist. 

• Worked as letterpress printer for 19 years. Became president, Letterpress Printers’ Union and, later, secretary, succeeding W. Paris.
• In 1919 was one of the leaders of amalgamation of printing trades unions. Founding secretary of the Amalgamated Printing Trades Employees’ Union of New South Wales. Held this position until retirement in 1960. Despite long period of service was more titular head than actively engaged in union’s campaigns.
• Delegate to NSW Trades and Labor Council. For a time was on management committee of Radio 2KY.
• Foundation member of the Graphic Arts Club and committee member to 1964.
• Honorary secretary of the North Sydney Federal Electoral Council of the Australia Labor Party and of the St Leonards branch in 1927-29.
• Possessed personal charm and physical presence.
• Cause of death myocardial degeneration.

Sources
The Amalgamated Printing Trades Union Review, August 1964; Labor Daily, 13 January 1927, A.L.P. Year Book / Australia Labor Party. New South Wales Branch, 1943/35.