Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

"CAIRNS SOLICITOR DIES.  MR. H. F. McLAUGHLIN FUNERAL THIS MORNING

Mr. H. F. McLaughlin (68), an old established Calirns solicitor, died about 7 a.m. in the Cairns Base Hospital yesterday. Mr. McLaughlin was admitted to hospital on Sunday night and had been sufferlng from influenza for a few days previously. Mr. McLaughlin came to Cairns about 25 years ago from Rockhampton, where his family had resided for many years. He entered the legal profession there as an articled clerk. He enlisted in the first A.I.F. from there and saw action at Gallipoli, returning to Australia with the rank of major. He practised at Mt. Morgan after the war, before coming to Cairns, where he first went into partnership with Mr. Abijah Murray for three years. When the partnership was dissolved in 1927, Mr. McLaughlin practised alone in Cairns, and was solicitor at times for local authorities here - the Harbour Board and the City Council. The deceased was a life member of the Cairns Bowling Club, and was a keen player and instructor to new members. When the last war broke out Mr. McLaughlin became Area Officer at Cairns with the rank of major, and remained in that position for a time after the war ended. A Solemn Requiem Mass will be celebrated at St Monica's Cathedral at 8 a.m. to-day by his brother, Mons. McLaughlin, of Charters Towers, who arrived in Cairns by plane yesterday afternoon.

COURT TRIBUTES

Before opening the Court of Petty Sessions yesterday, Mr. W. E. McKenna, S.M., said he deeply regretted to hear of the death of Mr. McLaughlin, who had been a worthy member of the legal profession here. "He was an honourable man and served his country well in two wars," said Mr. McKenna. Mr. McKenna said he had known the deceased only for two years. He extended his sympathy to the relatives. Representing the legal profession of Cairns, Mr. J. Bennett solicitor, joined Mr. McKenna in expressions of regret "I knew him intimately for 24 years, in business and personally. He was indeed an honourable man and an honourable member of the legal profession," said Mr. Bennett. Sub-Inspector C. Howie, on behalf of the Police Department also expressed regret. The deceased, he said, had always been most helpful to the department. Harbour Board members, at their meeting yesterday, observed a minute's silence as a token of respect. Bowling club flags were flown at half-mast. Besides his widow, the deceased leaves a daughter and son, living in Sydney. His sisters are Mrs. J. D. Conahan, Rockhampton; Mrs. M. F. O'Connell, Toowoomba; and Miss Rose McLaughlin, Brisbane. Rt Rev. Monsignor L. McLaughlin, V.G., of Charters Towers, is a brother. Deceased was a member of the Cairns Legacy Club, Bowling Club and R.S.SA.I.L.A., and members of these bodies are asked to attend the funeral, which will move from St Monica's Cathedral at 12 noon to-day." - from the Cairns Post 11 Aug 1948 (nla.gov.au)

"OBITUARY. Mr H. F. McLaughlin

The death occurred in the Cairns Hospital on August 10, following a short illness, of Major Herbert Francis McLaughlin. Major McLaughlin was born in Rockhampton and was the second son of the late Mr and Mrs Joseph McLaughlin. He was educated in Rockhampton and Hunter's Hill College, Sydney. After leaving college he was articled to the firm of Fitzgerald & Walsh and later practised as a solicitor at Mt Morgan until the beginning of World War 1, when he enlisted in the 1st AIF 5th Light Horse and served his country in Gallipoli and France, returning home with the rank of major. He then practised his profession in Townsville and later in Cairns. At the out-break of World War 2, he again offered his services and was appointed Area Officer for Cairns Military District for the duration of the war. Major McLaughlin was solicitor for the Cairns Harbour Board and Cairns City Council and was a very keen worker for Legacy and the RSSAILA. The late Major McLaughlin was always interested in sport and as a young man played football with the Wanderers. He was a life member of the Cairns Bowling Club. Mrs. McLaughlin and her son and daughters reside in Sydney. Right Rev. Monsignor McLaughlin, Charters Towers and Mr W. McLaughlin, Rockhampton, are brothers. One brother, Mr F. McLaughlin, predeceased him. His sisters are Mrs M. F. O'Connell, Toowoomba, Miss Rose McLaughlin, Brisbane, and Mrs J. D. Conachan, Rockhampton." - from the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin 17 Aug 1948 (nla.gov.au)