Ryan on the rampage.

Little Tommy Ryan, the highly patriots member for Essendon, is evidently one of those who feel the double defeat of the Conscription complot keenly, and by his acts he practically admits that "it hurts." Tommy bears the military rank of sergeant, and is certainly going the right way to make himself better known throughout his constituency as a recruiting agent than as "the local member." Speaking at a recruiting rally at Ascot Vale recently, Sergeant Ryan, M.L.A.—to give him all his titles— asked his hearers to make a resolution "to have nothing to do with any man who ought to be in the trenches." In the first place, it is impossible for any outsider to say that this, or that, or the other man "ought to be in the trenches," and to pry into a man's personal and domestic affairs in order to be able to determine whether he is "a fit and proper person" to be sent to Coventry or not, is a job few have either the time or inclination for; and, moreover, if they attempted it, they might find the consequences unpleasant for themselves. Recruits are not likely to be induced to roll up by an "honorable member" going on the rampage in this fashion and recommending social ostracism for all those who refrain from enlisting. Appeals are quite right and proper; but hustling and threatening will prejudice any cause, especially in a democratic country like this. Not satisfied with economic conscription, Ryan advocates a species of excommunication. The idea of little Tommy Ryan setting himself up as the pope of patriotism is too funny for words.

RYAN ON THE RAMPAGE. (1918, June 15). Truth (Melbourne ed.) (Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 4. Retrieved November 27, 2014, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130171950

ROLL OF HONOR

Mr. T. RYAN, M.L.A. ENLISTS.    

JOINS RAILWAY UNIT.    

CHIEF SECRETARY TO REPRESENT ESSENDON    

Mr. Thos. Ryan, M.L.A., who has been acting as an honorary recruiting sergeant   in the Essendon district, has taken the opportunity provided by vacancies for reinforcements in the Overseas Railway Unit, and enlisted for  active service on Tuesday, entering camp yesterday for the purpose of inoculation. Moving to Victoria last year from South Australia, where he was member for the district of Sturt, Mr. Ryan was successful in opposing the sitting member for Essendon. Since that time he has effected many reforms and improvements to the Essendon district. In the words of the Mayor (Cr. W. J. Mountain) Essendon had never been more ably or energetically represented than at present. Mr. Ryan will continue his recruiting work until embarkation, after which the Hon. John Bowser, Chief Secretary, will undertake his duties during our member's absence.

ROLL OF HONOR. (1918, June 20). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 3 Edition: Morning. Retrieved July 8, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74606340

MR. T. RYAN, M.L.A., ENLISTS

Nationalist Member for Essendon Accepted for Service in A.I.F.

Chief Secretary to Represent Member During Absence

Vacancies for reinforcements in the Overseas Railway Unit provided an opportunity for Mr. T. Ryan, M.L.A., to be enlisted for service abroad, and the Nationalist member for Essendon is to be congratulated on joining the colours. As our new member is a recent arrival among us we cannot do better than repeat biographical extracts from the South Australian papers.

The member for Essendon served for some years in the South Australian Railway Service before securing election as a member for the district of Sturt in the South Australian Parliament, which position he held when he moved to Victoria last year. Mr. Ryan, it will be remembered, at the last election opposed the then sitting member for Essendon, and, prior to leaving South Australia, was the recipient of many felicitations, including one from his old constituents in City of Unley, when the feeling of the meeting was conveyed to Mr. and Mrs. Ryan by a long list of the speakers, who said:

Hon. A. H. Peake (Liberal), Premier South Australian Parliament: "Mr. Ryan had been more than a mere member. Was a prominent institution and a strong stimulating force. In connection with education he might say of Mr. Ryan- "Thou, midst our wonder and astonishment, Hast built thyself a lifelong monument."

Hon. Crawford Vaughan, ex Premier (Nationalist) South Australia: " Mr. Ryan has shown unbounded energy and unquenchable enthusiasm in whatever he took in hand during the recent National campaign."

Mr. Speaker, Hon. F. W. Coney beer (National): " Few men in this State had crowded as much into a short life .... No matter what he was engaged in, he meant business .... No member had been more popular in the South Australian Legislature, and Mr. Ryan would carry with him the best wishes of every member for his future success and prosperity."

Professor Darnley Naylor, Adelaide University, late Melbourne University: " At the University they readily admitted the debt they owed to Mr. Ryan. The Education Commission gave the University £12,000, and increased their annual grant by £4000. The man who made that example possible was Mr. Ryan. Mr. Ryan's next work was to launch the ship of the Workers' Education Association. They now had at the University a most successful number of tutorial classes, and nearly 400 adult students."

The Minister of Education, Hon. A. W. Styles: "Sturt had done wisely in returning Mr. Ryan to Parliament. The result of his untiring zeal and energy and heroic work on the Education Commission would remain a lasting monument." He presented Mr. Ryan, on behalf of his friends, with 100 guineas.

Major T. H. Smeaton, South Australia's leader of Temperance Legislation : " Whether their guest came back as a visitor, or lived with them again, there would always be for him a warm welcome. He could remember nothing their guest had said in the House that could not be recorded in Hansard."

Mr. R. A. O'Connor, Secretary of the Liberal Parliamentary Party: "Mr. Ryan had played a very important part in the development of rural districts."

Mr. H. J. McKay, Chairman of the Sturt Football Club: "Mr. Ryan was president for seven years: presented a life membership. He felt the sporting associations of Sturt were losing a good friend." A little later the members from the South Australian Parliament tendered their old colleague a smoke social, under the presidency of the Speaker. The Speaker, in proposing the health of Mr Ryan, said it was a pleasure to do him honour and they would all part from him with feelings of regret. There were only sixteen members in the Assembly who welcomed Mr. Ryan as the new member for Torrens in succession to the late Mr. Thomas Price; but new members, like the old, had learned to admire and respect him. He and the first Labour Premier of the State had much in common. They had the same political ideas, and the same rugged eloquence and they both possessed unbounded energy.

Mr Ryan's association with politics went back a long way. He was a strong supporter of the Labour Party in the early nineties, when the Parliamentary Labour Party was in its babyhood. He had watched the movement grow, and had had no small influence in directing and assisting it. In all his experiences, he (the Speaker) had known of no new member who had so readily adapted himself to his Parliamentary duties as had Mr. Ryan. For many years he had been a student of public questions, and he had a gift of oratory which some of them had envied. They had always admired his pluck, and remembered his enthusiasm and energy in connection with the education question. As President of the University Committee Mr. Ryan deserved the thanks of the community for the manner in which he worked for the better education of the children of South Australia. (Hear, hear.) He had occupied many important positions apart from his political and municipal associations, and many institutions and societies would suffer by his removal to Victoria. No doubt Mr. Ryan would be heard of again. No member had been more popular in the South Australian Legislature, and Mr. Ryan would carry with him the best wishes of every member for his future success and prosperity. (Applause.)

In Mr. Ryan's response we see some thing of our soldier member's determination. In thanking Mr. Speaker he recalled the time when he was "on his uppers," but refused to accept a sovereign from the richest man in Australia, preferring to make his way by his own efforts. (Applause.) And again, "On three occasions you will remember I moved resolutions in our House, for which at the time I was unable to get a seconder" (the  echoes of laughter at Ryan's "lone hand" have not been forgotten yet), but to-night I remind you that, though on those occasions I walked across the floor of Parliament House by myself yet to-night everyone of you know that those three great alterations have been carried without a division." Thus, it is evident that if the new member has had little to do with soldiering it cannot be gainsaid that he has had considerable experience in organising an experience which included his election to the South Australian Parliament on three occasions.

In addition to his Parliamentary and municipal activities, Mr. Ryan was president of the Parliamentary University Education Commission, Commissioner to report on the Schools and Universities of New Zealand, president of the Workers' Education Association, Government Representative on the Children's Hospital Board, president of the  Commonwealth Grand Council of Trades and Labour Councils, president of the South Australian Tramways Union, president of the South Australian Trades and Labour Council, president of the Sturt Football and Swimming Clubs, president of the South Australian Kennel Association, and was connected with many philanthropic and educational organisations, as well as founder and Chairman of Directors of Hosking and Ryan Limited.

Surely such valuable and varied experience must find an outlet in the A.I.F., and serve Sergeant Ryan in good stead. Among Sergeant Ryan's printed  matter some of his best known pamphlets are: "Plea for Higher Education," " Educational Ideals of the Labour Movement," "Is it well with the Child?" and two war pamphlets,  "National Preservation," and "Fill the Gaps."  

At a meeting of the Essendon Council on Monday night His Worship the Mayor (Cr. W. J. Mountain), in conveying the Council's appreciation, to their new member, said that, though he (the Mayor) had lived in the district for over 20 years he felt it had never been more ably or more energetically represented than at present, and he wished their Parliamentary representative the best of wishes. A similar sentiment was later in the evening voiced by Mr. Arthur Pearson,  president of the Essendon Branch of the National Federation.  

Mr. Ryan, who has been acting, as an Hon. Recruiting Sergeant for some time, went into camp for the purpose of inoculation on Wednesday, 19th June, and will continue the work of recruiting until moved to "Somewhere in France." So that the district shall not politically suffer, the Hon. John Bowser, Chief Secretary and the Hon. A. Robertson, M.LA., have intimated to Mr. Ryan that it will be their pleasure to undertake the work in the constituency.

During our member's absence Mrs. Ryan and family will remain, of course, in Essendon. Essendon has had as its member a Chief Justice, a Prime Minister, a State Premier, and now a soldier in a Railway Unit, of whom those who knew him for a life-time, said "He, by sheer force, has made his merit known."   Thus Australia "fills the gaps in our ranks hard pressed, and the end of march unknown."

Farewell to Sergeant Thos. Ryan. M.L.A.

At the Essendon Picture Theatre to-night the member for Essendon, Sergt. Ryan, will say farewell to his constituents on the eve of his leaving for France with the Railway Unit. Senator Pearce (Minister of Defence), Hon. H. S. W. Lawson (State Premier), Hon. John Bower (Chief Secretary), Hon. A. Robertson, Mr Edmund Jowett,. M.P., and other representative gentlemen have signified their intention to be present and honour Essendon's worthy representative.

Owing to the very short notice given to Mr. Ryan to embark, very hurried arrangements have had to be made for the farewell meeting. The Moonee Ponds Town Hall being engaged, it was only possible to secure the Essendon Picture Theatre for the occasion, and it is hoped that the electors will fill the building to overflowing, and thus show their appreciation of Mr. Ryan's patriotic spirit in not only in season and out of season, urging the men of his constituency to enlist, but also setting the example himself. Captain Dyett has consented to allow the splendid Returned Soldiers' Band to play in the streets of Essendon before the meeting finishing at the Essendon Public Hall.

Cr. John Goldsworthy, who is responsible for the musical portion of the programme, has secured the services of several first-class artists, so a very enjoyable evening is assured. The newly-elected Mayor., Cr. A.   Fenton, will preside.

Farewell to Sergeant Thos. Ryan, M.L.A. (1918, August 29). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 2 Edition: Morning. Retrieved August 10, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74606950

AU REVOIR TO SERGEANT T. RYAN, M.L.A.

THE MEMBER TO BE ENTERTAINED.

A public meeting, hurriedly called by Cr. W. J. Mountain (then Mayor) was held at the Town Hall on Wednesday night of last week, to consider what steps should be taken to entertain the member for Essendon (Sgt. T. Ryan), who is leaving shortly for the front on active service. On account of the municipal elections and other meetings, the meeting was not so large as it otherwise would have been, but those who were present were very enthusiastic, and the gathering was a representative one. Cr. S. Pynor, who was in the chair, apologised for the absence of Crs. Mountain (Mayor) and Goldsworthy, and then explained that the time was very short, and what was to be done would have to be done quickly. Mr. Ryan had only one evening to spare before going to the front-and that was Thursday, 29th August (to-night). He was to be entertained at Coburg on the next evening (Friday).

Mr. R. Manderson was elected secretary to the movement, the minutes of the meeting being taken by Mr. A. T. Knight. A discussion then took place, and it was resolved that Mr. Ryan be farewelled at a public gathering on the evening mentioned (29th). As the Town Hall was not available, arrangements were made for securing the Essendon Public Hall.   In order that there might be a full attendance of Mr. Ryan's constituents, it was decided that there would be no charge for admission, but that subscription lists be issued. It was resolved that the guest of the evening be presented with an illuminated address, and that if any funds were left over they be devoted to the purchase of a wristlet watch and some article for Mrs. Ryan. A sub-committee was appointed to make full arrangements for the function, with power to engage three artists in order that a short musical programme could be given. Cr. A. Fenton, who was in attendance, kindly volunteered to fix some placards in the trams, the offer being willingly accepted. The speakers will be Senator Pearce (Minister of Defence); Hon. H. S. W. Lawson (Premier); Hon:. J. Bowser (Chief Secretary); Hon A. R. Robertson, M.L.A.; Mr. Edmund Jowett, M.H.R., and others. Mr.Ryan will give an account of his stewardship during the evening. Those anxious to donate towards the expenses may hand contributions to any member of the committee, or they may be left with the hon. sec, Mr. R. Manderson; or at the Town Hall, or the "Essendon Gazette" office.

The Ministerial members of the State Parliament assembled during the dinner adjournment on the evening of 21st inst., to bid good-bye to Sergeant Ryan, M.L.A. for Essendon, who will leave for the front at an early date with the reinforcements for the railway unit. The Premier (Mr. Lawson) presided, and in proposing the health of the guest, mentioned the fact that Sergeant Ryan was the fourth member of the State Parliament to go to the front. The Speaker (Mr. Mackey) also wished the guest a safe return. In reply, Sergeant Ryan said that Australia alone was worth fighting for, because it offered equal opportunities to all to forge ahead. At the age of 15 years he could not read words of three letters. Through taking advantage of the opportunities that were open to everybody, he was subsequently honoured with the appointment of chairman of the Parliamentary committee in South Australia that was appointed to inquire into the university systems of Australia and New Zealand. This committee was entrusted with an expenditure of £10,000. During the absence of Sergeant Ryan the Chief Secretary (Mr. Bowser) and Mr. Robertson (honorary Minister) will attend to his Parliamentary duties.

An Enthusiastic Send-Off

Au Revoir to Sgt. T. Ryan M.L.A.

Brilliant Farewell Gathering

Mr H G Ryan and Sergt T Ryan, top, and Mrs Ryan and

Milton Hugh Ryan, seated.

A long article with patriotic speeches describes the farewell function held for Thomas Ryan, MLA.

An Enthusiastic Send=Off. (1918, September 5). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 3 Edition: Morning. Retrieved August 11, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74607060

Sergeant T. Ryan M.L.A., The Premier, the Hon. H. S. Lawson, has received a cablegram from Sergeant T. Ryan, M.L.A., as follows :-"Pleasant trip; well; watch Essendon's interests," which he has passed on to the Essendon City Council. It will be remembered that Mr. Ryan went to the front with the Railway Unit some weeks ago.

Sergeant T. Ryan, M.L.A. (1918, October 31). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 2 Edition: Morning. Retrieved August 29, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74607504