Taunton Courier 25 Jan 1933 A Taunton Labour Pioneer Death of Mr Sidney OATEN son of H. C. OATEN

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Taunton Courier. Bristol and Exeter Journal, and Western Advertiser Wednesday 25 Jan 1933
Page 2 Column 4


A TAUNTON LABOUR PIONEER.

DEATH OF MR. S. OATEN.

ASHES SCATTERED TO THE WINDS.”

[COMMUNICATED]

Tauntonians will learn with regret of the death of Mr. Sidney OATEN, who died on Monday evening from pneumonia, supervening upon an attack of influenza, at the Royal Infirmary, Bristol, at the age of 59. He had been ill only a few days when his condition became so grave that his doctor had him removed to the Infirmary, but despite continuous resort to oxygen he passed away somewhat unexpectedly. He leaves a widow and one married daughter, Mrs. Bert JONES, of Greenbank, Bristol. His only two sisters live in Toronto.

The late Mr. OATEN (writes one who knew him intimately) was the third son of the late Mr. and Mrs. H. C. OATEN, of Albemarle-road. He was born in the parish of St. Mary's, and was educated at the Mary-street School, under the late Mr. W. Greaves COLE, and attended the Mary-street Chapel. He was apprenticed as a printer to the late Mr. Alexander HAMMET, who carried on business in North-street, and became a very competent and artistic craftsman.

A PIONEER.

Always a voracious reader, early in his life he became a deep student of politics, and this led him to forsake the Liberalism in which he had been reared for the small group which was the forebear of the Labour Party. In Taunton he became one of the foremost pioneers of Labour. He came into touch with Keir HARDIE, Miss Margaret BONDFIELD, then unknown outside Trade Union circles, and many another leader of the movement, while he gathered around him an ever-increasing following. Short absences from Taunton at Cannock Chase and St. Helens gave him a wider outlook, but only confirmed him still deeper in the conviction of the cause he espoused.

He returned to Taunton and worked at Mr. DRAYTON's (HAMMETT & Co.) for a time, but subsequently removed to Bristol, where, in conjunction with other kindred spirits, he established the co-partnership concern, the Bristol Printers, in Stratton-street. Here he took charge of the mechanical side of the concern. He was connected with it up to the time of his death.

He never forsook his native town. A frequent visitor, he was always welcomed in Trade Union and Labour circles, and he often addressed meetings.

His activities in Labour circles in Bristol were such that he became one of the leaders of the party there. He was invited more than once to contest a Bristol constituency for a seat in Parliament, but domestic responsibilites compelled him to decline. He took a leading part in the Trade Union organisation of the typographical industry, and was for years a member of the Executive of the Typographical Society, of which he also became vice-president. He refused the presidency for the same reason that he declined to stand for Parliament. He was, however, a valued member of all sorts of conciliation boards and committees meeting employers in the printing trade, and his duties took him all over the country. Indeed, he was due at an Executive meeting at Manchester only a few days before his dath, <sic> and when the news of his passing was received without an intimation that he had been ill it caused the deepest regret. That was shown at his funeral.

NO FLOWERS – NO TEARS.”

Always a man of strong views, he maintained them until the last. Only three weeks ago death was a topic of discussion in his family circle, and he then laid down what was to be observed in his case. “No black mourning.” he said, “no outside show, a plain coffin without trimmings, no flowers, no tears, no clergyman, and cremation, with my ashes scattered to the winds.”

These wishes were observed at his funeral on Wednesday. His remains were followed to the cemetery by Mr. Bert JONES (son-in-law), Mr. Maurice OATEN, of the Bank of England (representing his father and deceased's elder brother, Mr. Frank OATEN, M.J.I., of Gravesend, who was unable to travel), and Mr. W. H. OATEN, of Cardiff (brother). Another brother, Mr. E. OATEN, of Cardiff, was precluded from being present owing to being in bed with influenza.

At Arno's Vale Crematorium the coffin was met by about thirty prominent members of the Labour Party and Trade Unionists, some of whom had travelled from Manchester and London. The ceremony was very brief, and no mourning was worn. No service was read over the coffin as it reposed on the chapel bier.

Three of his old colleagues paid tributes to the late Sid. OATEN; they spoke of his zeal for the cause, of his devotion to the welfare of the “under-dog.” of the way he had spent his energy and his ability to both Trade Unionism and Labour, and the uprightness and sterling nature of his character.

Then the coffin was lowered into the incinerator and the doors closed over it. The passing was as unpretentious as Sid.'s living. He lives in the hearts of his many friends. That is his monument.


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<NOTES: Sidney OATEN son of Henry Charles OATEN and Sarah Ann HALFYARD, married Clara PAULL>