Rowe was born in Melbourne to Susan Ann ( née Stephens ) and Francis Rowe . A trained stonemason , he arrived in Western Australia in 1900 and began working on the Fremantle Wharf . Rowe was elected secretary of the Fremantle Lumpers Union in 1902 , and would serve in the position until entering parliament ( including during the 1919 wharf riot ) . He also served on the board of Fremantle Hospital for 19 years , and was a member of the East Fremantle Municipal Council
1919 wharf riot
1919 Fremantle Wharf riot
Francis Rowe (politician)