People Australia

Leslie Francis Hunter (1899-1963) locomotive driver and trade union official 

Birth: 1899 at Broadmeadow, Newcastle, New South Wales, son of native-born parents Watson Hunter (1872-1924), mine worker, and Mary Jane, née Francis (1879-1954). Marriages: (1) June 1920 at Lambton, Newcastle, to Mary Elizabeth Irene Rogers (1911-1978). They had one son and two daughters, one of whom died in infancy. The marriage ended in divorce in September 1933. (2) 1935 at Kotara, Newcastle, to native-born Amy Olive Hillier (1902-1991). They had one daughter. Death: 16 January 1963 at Hamilton, Newcastle. Religion: Methodist. 

• His father was a notable citizen of Adamstown, Newcastle, a volunteer in the fire brigade and served as alderman for a number of years.
• Leslie started as call boy at the old Hamilton locomotive depot, Department of Railways, in 1915 and joined the NSW Locomotive, Enginedrivers’, Firemen and Cleaners’ Association, later the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen (AFULE). Employed as engine cleaner, at Hamilton, in 1917.
• Dismissed for strike activity in August 1917 and reinstated October 1917.
• Fireman at Broadmeadow in 1924.
• Participated in touring all NSW AFULE branches to re-build the union in 1923. Branch secretary of AFULE Broadmeadow from 1934 to 1938 and June 1938 to 1940. Federal delegate of AFULE 1937. Member NSW Division Council (previously known as General Committee) in 1935.
• Elected vice-president, NSW division in 1940 and State president, NSW division, in 1944. Held office until 1962.
• Was driver at Junee in the Department of Railways in 1938, transferred to Enfield in 1940 and to Broadmeadow in 1943. Was special class driver from 1951 to 1963.
• Australian councillor representing NSW Divisions AFULE 1945 and senior vice-president of the Federal body from 1949 to 1961.
• Made life member of his union.
• Cause of death: cerebral haemorrhage and hypertension.

Sources
Locomotive Journal, 10 February 1955, 11 January 1962, 11 April 1963.