https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/162544755?searchTerm=Mau...
Record - Sat 11 June 1949 - Page 1
DEATH OF MR. 'MAUDffi'
BARRETT
89 -Year -Old Spent an
Adventurous Life
Another Jink with South Melbourne's
past was severed last month by the death
of Mr. Maurice (Maudie) Barrett, who
had been a well-known identity in South
Melbourne since the roistering days of the ?'
late 19th century. It had been his proud
boast that throughout his 89 years (he
would have been 90 on Christmas Day) he
never suffered a day's illness. And al
though for the last six months he was.
bedridden at the Old Men's Home, he was
so through old age and not ill health.
A familiar figure along the waterfront,
he had many narrow escapes from death
in an adventurous life as ship's fireman.
Twice he signed on for voyages but missed
the ships. On both occasions the vessel
was never heard of again after leaving
port. On the second occasion, his death
was reported in Australian papers and a
considerable stir, and no little uneasiness,
was caused when he appeared amongst
his former cronies some three years later.
He was awarded a Royal Humane So
ciety certificate some years ago for saving
two people from drowning.
