Figure 1.--This photograph of the R.M. Willkiams as an apprentice builders for Kennett and Sons of Enfield in 1925. R.M is at the left.

Am Australian reader writes, "We received news in 2003 of the death of one of Australia's icons. His name is R.M.Williams. He started an empire in men's clothing (later with women's clothing) back in the 1930s. I do believe there are branches in America, so you may have heard of him. He was born in 1910 and died in 2003 at the age of 93. This then puts the photograph taken of him at 15 years old, at 1925. It's interesting to note that all the apprentices in the photograph are all wearing short trouser suits bar one. I wonder how many boys today would wear such an outfit at 15 years old, especially when you have left school and have started work?"

R.M. Williams

Am Australian reader writes, "We received news in 2003 of the death of one of Australia's icons. His name is R.M. Williams. .... He was born in 1910 and died in 2003 at the age of 93. This then puts the photograph taken of him at 15 years old, at 1925" (figure 1). His full name was Reginald Murray. as a youth he worked several jobs in the Ouback from the Mallee country in Victoria to West Australia. He worked the West Australian gold fields. He even had a job caring for camels operated by Bill Wade. One of their jobs was cunting aborihines. The two worked in the Musgrave Ranges where Aborigines probably saved RM's life when he ran out of water. It was at this time that he became concerned about Aborigines health problems. He at first thought there was widespread leprosy. It was in fact yaws. He worked to bring health services to Aboriginee comminities. He married Thelma in 1929. Working for the United Aborigine Mission he drillw water well in 1930 for the Nepabunna community. A friend Dollar Mick Michael Smith who thaught him leather working. R.M began making elastic-sided leather bots which proved a great success. He founded a company in a small shed. R.M. conducted his business as a family affair. There were games at lunch and picnics on the weekends. He had a special love for horses and played polo.

Stores

Williams started an empire in men's clothing (later with women's clothing) back in the 1930s. R.M. Williams became one of the most recognizeable names in Australian outdoors wear around the world.One reader tells us that tht there are branches in America. HBC is unfamiliar with them.

Appretices

An Australian reader writes, "It's interesting to note that all the apprentices in the photograph are all wearing short trouser suits bar one. I wonder how many boys today would wear such an outfit at 15 years old, especially when you have left school and have started work?"

Sources

Austin, Nigel. (Rural Editor) "RM: A heart that spanned a big counbtry," The Advertiser (unknown date, 2003).

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Created: November 10, 2003
Last updated: November 10, 2003