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William Charles Peters (1903–1978)

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William Charles Peters (1903-1978) hatter, trade union official, mayor and parliamentarian

Birth: 3 March 1903 at Pyrmont, Sydney, New South Wales, son of Thomas Theodore Peters (1852-1935), a seaman, from Norway, and Ada Sarah, née Huggett (c.1860-1933). Marriage: 1925 at Ashfield, Sydney, to native-born Grace Lillian Sutcliffe, later Blumer (1904-2002). They had one daughter and one son. Death: 21 February 1978 at Lewisham Hospital, Lewisham; usual residence Park Avenue, Ashfield. Religion: Anglican. 

  • His father was president of Pyrmont Political Labor League. Also a foundation member of the Miscellaneous Workers’ Union and until 1927 a member of the union executive.
  • William was educated at Pyrmont Public School.
  • Started work in felt hat industry. Joined Felt Hatters' Union (later Federated Felt Hatting and Allied Trades Employees' Union) about 1919. Was president for six years and secretary from 1936 to 1972.
  • Joined Australian Labor Party in 1927. Contested Legislative Assembly seat of Ashfield in by-election in November 1946 and in the general elections in May 1947. Contested election to Legislative Council in 1957 and was elected a member of the Legislative Council on 19 May 1959 (casual vacancy); held office to 22 April 1970.
  • Contested municipal elections for Ashfield in 1944 and 1948. Elected alderman on Ashfield Council from 1953 to 1977 and was mayor 1962-1964. Labor Party president of State and federal electorate councils, and Croydon and Ashfield Trustee NSW branch of ALP.
  • Director Ashfield Community Mobile Nursing Service 1959-1962. Committee member, Ashfield Infants Member, Ashfield Meals on Wheels service. President of Western Suburbs Leagues Club.
  • Cause of death: paralytic ilieus (2 hours), cause not determined.

Sources
Heather Radi, Peter Spearritt & Elizabeth Hinton (eds), Biographical Register of the NSW Parliament 1901-1970 (Canberra, 1979); Labor Year Book, 1973.

Additional Resources

  • photo, Sydney Morning Herald, 9 November 1946, p. 4
  • photo, Australian Worker (Sydney), 23 April 1947, p 1

Citation details

'Peters, William Charles (1903–1978)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/peters-william-charles-34715/text43681, accessed 14 October 2024.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Birth

3 March, 1903
Pyrmont, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Death

21 February, 1978 (aged 74)
Lewisham, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Cause of Death

paralytic ileus

Cultural Heritage

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