The Sunday Times, Sunday 28 May 1933
(Perth, Western Australia)

DEATH OF MR. J. F. ALLEN
Long Record of Public Service
Widespread regret is felt over the passing last week of Mr. J. F. Allen, whose long and diligent service to the community through his multifarious activities, had left its mark. The large gathering at the Fremantle Cemetery on Wednesday was representative of all sections of the community. Mr. Allen was born in Cornwall in 1869, and received his early education in England. At the age of 15 years he became indentured to a Sydney firm of architects, and later accepted the post of works manager with Henry Simon Ltd., a firm of milling engineers.
His first association with this State was in 1896, when he took up residence at Fremantle. Except for a brief period served as assistant engineer in the State Government service, he has been in business at Fremantle as an architect, and has designed many well-known buildings in Perth and Fremantle. The firm of Allen and Nicholas with which he was connected, was founded by him over 30 years ago. Among the public offices held at the time of his death were the Mayoralty of East Fremantle, the chairmanship of the Fremantle Tramway and Electric Lighting Board, and the Rottnest Board of Control, and the presidency of the Royal Institute of Architects of Western Australia, and the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce. He was also a member of the Architects’ Registration Board, a past president of the Fremantle Business Men’s Association, and of the Fremantle Rotary Club. In 1914 he was elected to the Legislative Council of the State Parliament as a representative of the Fremantle district and served for a term of six years. He was a candidate for a Senate seat in the Federal Parliament some years ago, but was defeated, and recently, when a successor to Sir Hal. Colebatch on the Senate was required, Mr. Allen’s name was mentioned. His appointment as a Justice of the Peace was made in 1909. The Presbyterian Church in this State, and Freemasonry also claimed his active association. Mr. Allen is survived by a daughter, Janet, his wife having predeceased him several years ago, and a brother, Mr. Peter Allen, who is a resident of the Leonora district.

The West Australian, Wednesday 24 May 1933
(Perth, Western Australia)

DEATHS
ALLEN.—On May 23, 1933 (suddenly), at East Fremantle, Joseph Francis Allen, of Harvose, Surbiton-road, East Fremantle, husband of the late Jean Symington Allen, and loving father of Janet; aged 63 years.

Contributed by Bob Bolitho