23 MARCH 1929, Page 3

Mr. Stephen Walsh, who died at Wigan last Saturday, was

a Trade Union leader in the best tradition. He worked his way up from the bottom by shrewdness and force of character, and became Vice-President of the Miners' Federation. He had little or no interest in the political panacea of Socialism, and probably thought, like most of the intelligent leaders of the workers to-day, that the sooner the Labour Party is free from this unnatural alliance, the better for the workers, the party, and the country. Mr. Walsh was a strong supporter of Conscription during the War. His appointment as Minister of War in the Labour Government of 1924 was a surprise, but lie won golden opinions for his tact and understanding. *