DR. T. J. MacNAMARA’S DEATH

Taranaki Daily News, 9 December 1931, Page 3

DR. T. J. MacNAMARA’S DEATH

FORMER CABINET MINISTER. Dr. T. J. Macnamara, whose death is reported from London, was an exLiberal and Coalition Minister during the war. He was born at Montreal* in 1861. His father was an Irish sergeant in the old, 47th Foot, which went to Canada after the Crimean War. At the age of 13 he became a pupil teacher at a school in Exeter, where his father was stationed. During his apprenticeship he received £5 the first year, which was increased by £2 10s annually so that at the end of five years he was getting an annual salary of £l5. Mr°Macnamara, after being trained at the Borough Road College, taught in schools at Huddersfield and Bristol until 1892, when he became editor of the Schoolmaster. In 1895 he unsuccessfully contested Deptford as a Liberal and in 1896 was chosen president of the National Union of Teachers. In 1900 he was eledted for-the North Camberwell Division, and in 1907 entered the Government as Parliamentary Secretary to the Local Government Board. ' Next year he became Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty, retaining that office until 1915, when he was made Financial Secretary to the Admiralty. He lost his seat in 1918, but the same year was elected for North-west Camberwell. In 1920 he became Minister of Labour in the Coalition Government in succession to Sir R. Horne, holding office until 1922. He was the author of many books and pamphlets. 1