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Christopher James (Chris) Bennett (1867–1930)

This article was published:

Christoper Bennett, caricature by Dick Ovenden, 1923

Christoper Bennett, caricature by Dick Ovenden, 1923

Labor Call (Vic), 8 March 1923, p 3

Christopher James Bennett (1867–1930) trade union leader 

Birth: 28 May 1867 in Kapunda, South Australia, son of Christopher Bennett, wheelwright, and Honora, née Stapleton. Marriage: 7 October 1886 in Adelaide, to Emily Ann Elizabeth Goodman. They had five sons and a daughter. Death: 12 December 1930 in St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne. 

  • Early 1890s associated with South Australian Railway Union. Secretary of Eight-Hour Committee in SA.
  • Relocated to Melbourne, and was prominent anti-conscription fighter during World War I. Responsible for calling first meeting of Victorian Returned Soldiers’ anti-conscription League.
  • Secretary of Victorian Blacksmith’s Society 1914-1930. President Victorian Australian Labor Party, and executive member for 15 years. Also president Eight-Hours Committee, senior vice-president Workingmen’s College, president Trades Hall Council.
  • Was involved with Celtic Club.
  • Stood unsuccessfully for both State and Commonwealth parliament.
  • Cause of death cerebral thrombosis and hypostatic pneumonia.

Sources
Labor Call, 20 Feb 1930, 18 Dec 1930; Australian Worker, 21 March 1923.

Additional Resources

  • profile, Labor Call (Vic), 8 March 1923, p 3
  • death notice, Age (Melbourne), 13 December 1930, p 7
  • funeral, Herald (Melbourne), 13 December 1930, p 3

Related Entries in NCB Sites

Citation details

'Bennett, Christopher James (Chris) (1867–1930)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/bennett-christopher-james-chris-32414/text40199, accessed 20 April 2024.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Christoper Bennett, caricature by Dick Ovenden, 1923

Christoper Bennett, caricature by Dick Ovenden, 1923

Labor Call (Vic), 8 March 1923, p 3

Life Summary [details]

Birth

28 May, 1867
Kapunda, South Australia, Australia

Death

12 December, 1930 (aged 63)
East Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Cause of Death

stroke

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

Occupation
Clubs
Key Organisations
Political Activism