People Australia

Francis James (Frank) Meyer (1905-1989) clerk and trade union official

Birth: 26 January 1905 at Maldon, Victoria, son of native-born parents Alfred Cordt Meyer (1877-1936), storekeeper, and Catherine Maude (Kate), née Dabb (1870-1952). Marriage: 5 September 1936 at Malvern, Victoria, to Phebe Burgess Wettenhall (1907-1975). They had two daughters and one son. Death: 20 August 1989 at Castlemaine, Victoria. 

• Influenced by anti-conscription movement of 1916-1917 in which his father participated.
• Secretary of Wheat and Wool Growers Association, Maldon, in the 1930s. Secretary of the Federated Clerks Union, Victorian branch, 1945-1952.
• Defeated in events surrounding a clash between the Groupers (National Civic Council) and the union leadership. Supporter of Communist Party.
• Gained work as office manager in the Federated Ironworkers’ Association and the Meat Employees Union. Assisted in establishing the Australian Council of Salaried and Professional Associations, a white-collar federation which helped to unite white-collar workers in the 1950s.
• Participated in campaigns around developing peace neighbourhood networks in Northcote and Fitzroy until 1970s.
• Lived in Castlemaine in retirement.
• Cause of death: bronchopneumonia (5 days), emphysema (10 years) osteoarthrosis (10 years) and senility.

Sources
Tribune (Sydney), 20 September 1989; Recorder, February 1985, No. 132, p 3, Oct. 1989, No. 159, p. 2.