People Australia

John (Jack) Eiffe (c.1865-1941) coal trimmer, trade union official

Birth: about 1865 at Singleton, New South Wales son of Irish-born parents William Eiffe (c.1824-1867), police constable previously a soldier, and Hannah, née Connors (1837-1879). Marriage: details unknown to Esther surname unknown (d.1927). They fostered a daughter Grace, who died in 1938. Death: 27 February 1941 at Basin Wharf, Carrington, Newcastle, NSW. Religion: Anglican. 

• Father died from a gunshot wound, accidentally received on duty. With his mother ill and receiving relief, Jack his brother William and his sister Honora were admitted to the Asylum for Destitute Children at Randwick, Sydney, in 1869. He was discharged on 2 November 1877 when he was apprenticed to Mr Bernard Gillen at Figtree, Wollongong.
• In his early years he worked as a miner. Was a coal trimmer/waterside worker from 1898.
• Helped found Newcastle coal trimmers’ branch of the Waterside Workers’ Federation (WWF) in 1901. Secretary of the branch from 1905 to 1908 and from 1918 to 1926. Sometime vice-president NSW executive of the WWF. Assisted in introduction of roster system. Was succeeded as secretary by Alex McLagan senior.
• Became one of the oldest working members and remained active in branch affairs. For many years was secretary of the Carrington branch of the Australian Labor Party.
• Died while working as a pin boss on a vessel at the age of 76. Had attended his last meeting four days before his death.
• Coroner found that death was caused by heart failure, due to coronary occlusion. A widower, he was survived by a sister.

Sources
Maritime Worker, 15 March 1941, p 8.