George William Mullins
George William Mullins ( -1937)
1937 Obituary [1]
GEORGE WILLIAM MULLINS, M.B.E. By his death on September 28, 1937, the non-ferrous metal industries have lost a leader who has exerted a most important influence on the establishment of their trade organizations. All who are concerned with metals, whether in industry or research, will mourn the loss of a loyal friend and wise counsellor.
From as early as 1885 Mr. Mullins was connected with the commercial side of the Birmingham brass and copper industry, ultimately becoming Director of the Cold-Rolled Brass and Copper Association in 1920. In this position his influence upon the other Trade Associations and thus upon the whole industry was very great. The respect and confidence which he commanded was most exceptional, but was based on his tact, wisdom, and thorough honesty, which were exhibited sometimes under most difficult circumstances.
Despite the handicap of very poor sight, Mr. Mullins was a man of wide reading and culture, which was not only of value as a member of the Council of the British Non-Ferrous Metals Research Association, for which he did yeoman service, but in private life was demonstrated by his work as President of the Midland Institute Scientific Society of Birmingham, and in many other ways. Under his almost patriarchal appearance, Mr. Mullins possessed a youthful and energetic spirit. No task was too great for him, and the masterly way in which he assembled and utilized statistics and other data frequently won him his case, without any need for him to use the logical and shrewd arguments with which he was always ready to support it. He will also be remembered for the fine work that he did on Committees of the British Standards Institution, of some of which he was Chairman; as also on the Council of the Federation of British Industries, as a member of which he attended the Ottawa Conference in 1932.
As a member of the Institute since 1920, Mr. Mullins always took a keen interest in trying to secure the exposition of its work in a manner attractive to wider circles in the metal industry. He originated the idea of the Autumn Lectures and was local Honorary Secretary at the memorable Birmingham meeting in 1921 and Chairman of the Local Reception Committee at the even greater meeting in 1933. Our deep sympathy is felt for Mrs. Mullins, who so constantly supported him, both in his attendances at the Institute Meetings and throughout his active life. R. S. HUTTON.