Obituaries Australia

Mr. Hedley Basil Archer, of "Landfall," who was admitted to the Public Hospital on Friday suffering from a fractured skull following an accident on the George Town Road that afternoon, when his horse threw him and rolled on him, died in the institution at 6 o'clock on Saturday evening, without having regained consciousness.

By his death the pastoral industry in Tasmania has lost a well known personality. The late Mr. Archer was the fifth son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank Archer, and was born at "Landfall" in June, 1883. He was educated at Mr. Nathan's High School, Frederick Street, and when he left school joined his brothers in working "Landfall" and other properties. Latterly he, with his brother, Mr. Gerald Archer, took over the estate, and they worked it together. It was largely owing to the late Mr. Archer's knowledge and keen judgment that "Landfall" stock holds such a reputation throughout the state. It has been stated by those in a position to know that he was one of the best judges of stock in Australia. For 25 years Mr. Archer was a steward in the Newnham Methodist Church, and in 1907 was appointed superintendent of the Sunday school, which position he held up till the time of his death. He was a lay preacher for over 20 years, his appointments being principally in the Launceston and Lilydale districts. In June last he was elected president of the East Tamar Rural Producers' Association. Mr. Archer's wife, who is a daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Armstrong, of Hadspen, and family of two survive him.

The sudden passing of Mr. Archer came as a great shock to the community in which he lived. He was very highly respected, and his manly bearing and bright manner, coupled with a soul of honour, had gained for him a very prominent place in the hearts of the people in the outlying districts of North Launceston, where he had spent the whole of his life. He was keenly interested in the general development of the district. The sympathy of the whole community is felt for his wife and family.

The 48th anniversary services of the Newnham Methodist Church were conducted yesterday by the Rev. W. H. Leembruggen and Mr. G. G. Pullen. At the afternoon services Mr. Leembruggen referred to the long and devoted association of the late Mr. Archer with the church at Newnham, and the sad shock his sudden demise had caused.