South Yorkshire Times, December 16th, 1932.
Obituary.
Mr E. Tune, J.P.
President of the Barnsley Co-Operative Society
A Noble Career
Collapse in Boardroom
The death occurred on Tuesday of Mr. Edward Tune, J.P., of “Branksome,” Summer Lane, Wombwell, President of the Barnsley British Co-operative Society. Up to a few months ago Mr. Tune enjoyed excellent health, but a seizure cut short his activities and he had since been under medical care. He appeared to be making good progress towards recovery, but, to the great sorrow of friends and acquaintances over a wide area, he had another attack on Tuesday, which proved fatal.
.For the greater part of his life Mr. Tune has been devoted to the co-operative movement, and there was something fitting in the fact that p died in the board room in which the great organisation he has helped to build up is directed and controlled. A doctor was summoned, but when he arrived Mr. Tune had breathed his last. Among those present at the tragic moment, in addition to the directors, were Coun. T. H. Foulstone and Coun. T. W. Insley, of Dartield. and Mr. T. Kay, of Wombwell.
Mr. Tune was a man of great worth and capacity, and the loss occasioned by his death will be felt for a long time to come. Apart from the cooperative movement, in which he was something of a national figure, he had other big interests. He had held the position of chairman of the governors of the Barnsley Beckett Hospital for about ten years, and for a similar period had been chairman of the Wombwell Education Sub-Committee.
Native of Wombwell.
Mr. Tune was born at Wombwell and educated at Wombwell National School. He had great natural gifts and attained administrative positions of great importance through sheer ability. The early part of his working life was spent at Wombwell Main Colliery, where he was an official, and doubtless his early interest in co-operation arose through the influence of the late Mr. John Elliott, whom he subsequently succeeded as the president of the Barnsley Society. Mr. Elliott, whose memory is still cherished in co-operative circles in South Yorkshire, was also on the staff at Wombwell Main and his son, the late Mr, Chas. H. Elliott, subsequently became general manager and a director of the firm.
Mr. Tune was appointed a director of the Barnsley society 27 years ago, and when Mr. John Elliott died in 1920 he was the obvious successor.
He held the position of president for twelve years, and, such was the confidence of the members in him, he never had to seek re-election. Mr. Tune was the first full time president of the Society.
Great Organiser.
During Mr. Tune’s association with it the Barnsley British Co-operative Society has grown rapidly in power, influence and resources. From 20,721 in 1902 the membership has increased to 87,710 at the present time and during the same period the share and loan capital has increased from £501,687 to £2,665,549. Last half-year the Society’s Turnover was well over £1 millions.
An Educationist.
Mr. Tune’s public life was almost entirely devoted to education. At an early age he became a member of the Wombell School Board ,and some ten years ago he succeeded Mr. A. E. Tabor as chairman of the local Education Committee. From the monthly meetings he as rarely absent, and his duties as manager of local schools were conscientiously fulfilled. He knew every member of the school staffs personally and was on speaking terms with all the children.
Mr. Time had a profound love for Wombwell, and to his mind only the best that education could afford was good enough for Wombwell children. His great ambition was to see a secondary school in the district, but he was thankful for the new middle school as the “next best thing.” His efforts were always directed towards maintaining its status. In the administration of education he succeeded in a remarkable ‘ way in unifying conflicting elements for constructive effort. He had no strong prejudices, and was no politician.
By his death the younger generation have lost a great friend. One of his last acts was to sign a number of certificates gained by evening students. He was also chairman of the Wombwell Higher Education Committee.
A Devoted Wesleyan.
Perhaps one of the most striking features, of Mr. Tune’s life was his unswerving devotion to religious effort. Brought into the church by his father, the late Mr. Wm. Tune, he was actively associated with Christian worship throughout his life, and for 47, years was superintendent of the Wesleyan Church Sunday School in Park Street, Wombwell, a office he relinquished as recently as a week ago. The December Bulletin of the Methodist Church states “Mr Tune’s resignation was regretfully accepted, and it was resolved that a special minute be made of his splendid services.”
It grieves us to think that we have to say “Good-bye” for the present to such a valuable member of the community. His passing was a shock; we had hoped that he would be restored to health and rejoiced at his continued improvement: but it was not to be. He went from us in the field of service and we will remember him as we knew him—a great hearted loving friend.”
He also held the positions of Society steward and trustee, was treasurer to the Wombwell Sunday School Union and the old established “Funeral Brief.”
Mr tune was extremely generous, but his acts of charity were always performed quietly, and few of his close acquaintances knew the extent of his benefactions. He was a Pass Grand Master of Odd Fellows, and held many appointments of philanthropic character.
Work for Hospitals
Mr Tune never spared himself in his efforts for the Beckett hospital, and under his direction many important developments have been undertaken. At the back of his mind always was a welfare of this institution, and he lost no opportunity of urging its claims and canvassing support. From time to time he has travelled round the district addressing hospital meetings, and it was largely through his influence that large sums have been contributed to the hospital annually as a result of charity efforts promoted by co-operative employees. An honour well deserved was his appointment as a Justice of the Peace a few months ago.
He leaves a widow, two sons and three daughters.
The interment will take place at Wombwell Cemetery today (Friday), following a memorial service in the Park Street Methodist Church.