State Library of South Australia

Unveiling of memorial to Ernest Alfred Roberts [PRG 280/1/20/369] • Photograph

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Summary

Unveiling of a memorial to South Australian politician Ernest Alfred Roberts at West Terrace Cemetery, Adelaide, 13 January 1917.

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Physical description

photograph; 11 x 15.5 cm

Dates / Publication details

1917

Photographer

Smith, W. S

Collection

Part of Searcy Collection

Subject

Roberts, Ernest Alfred, 1868-1913
Politicians -- South Australia
Memorials -- South Australia -- Adelaide
Adelaide (S.A.)

Catalogue record

Return to catalogue

General notes

'There was a large gathering of admirers of the late Mr. E.A. Roberts, M.H.R., at the West Terrace Cemetery on Saturday afternoon, when honor was done to his memory by the unveiling of a fine monument over the grave. Among those present were the Premier (Hon. C. Vaughan), the Chief Secretary (Hon. A.W. Styles), the Minister of Industry (Hon. R.P. Blundell), the Speaker of the House of Assembly (Hon. F.W. Coneybeer), the president of the United Labor Party (Mr. Hugh Gilmore), Federal and State Labor members, and representatives of the Trades and Labor Council and affiliated organisations. The monument is a broken column emblematic of the untimely end to the brilliant career of the deceased legislator. It is beautifully wrought from pure white Angaston marble, and bears the following inscription:-"In loving memory of Ernest Alfred Roberts, Labor member of the House of Representatives in the Commonwealth Parliament for the Division of Adelaide. Died December 2, 1913. Aged 45 years. A token of esteem and appreciation of his unstinted efforts in the interests of his fellow men. He died at his post." The monument, which was the outcome of subscriptions received by the Labor Regulation League, at its Botanic Park meetings, was draped with the Australian flag and the Union Jack. Mr. Gilmore, who presided, said they had assembled to do honor to the memory of one of their comrades. They looked upon Mr. Roberts as having been one of the first men of the Labor Party, and one who was at all times prepared to do his duty as he saw the light. He had fought in the cause of humanity. He was possibly the finest fighter they had had. The speaker referred to Mr. Roberts' remarkable gift of oratory and his business capacity, as was shown in a variety of ways during his connection with different organisations for the benefit of the workers. He was, indeed one of the giants of the movement, and it was a great pity that they did not have him as a leader at the present time. Mr. G.E. Yates, M.H.R., as successor to Mr. Roberts as member for Adelaide, unveiled the monument. The column, he said, had been raised through spontaneous effort, and it was not cold marble in its significance. It indicated heartfelt appreciation on the part of those who knew the deceased legislator so well, and had benefited by his efforts. Mr. Roberts had commanded their respect and esteem, and it was not the practice for the Labor Party to let such men go down to the grave unhonored and unsung. [Advertiser, Monday 15 January 1917].

Historical information

E.A. Roberts was vice-president and president of the United Labor Party 1907-08; he won the Federal seat of Adelaide in 1908 and retained it in 1910 and 1913; he was an outstanding debater and held ministerial appointments.

Digitisation information

Date

03/01/2002

Format

image/tiff

Resolution

3,157 x 2,192 pixels (6.9 MP)

Size

6.93 MB

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