Obituaries Australia

Miss Annie Cocker, of Hawthorne, Spreyton, died on Friday. She was the eldest surviving daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. David Cocker, and was born at Spreyton in the original residence on Hawthorne Estate in 1857. Her father was one of the pioneers of the North-West Coast, and was for many years closely identified with the progress of Devonport. He had been Master Warden of the Mersey Marine Board, and chairman of the Town Board of Formby. In the early days he and his brothers owned a fleet of vessels trading between Port Frederick (River Mersey) and Port Phillip (V.), where they carried on a large establishment as merchants and shipowners. Miss Cocker at the age of 18 years was placed in charge of the Burnie Post and Telegraph Office. She conducted this office until 1883. In the 90's she went to London, where she pursued studies in oil and water colour painting. On her return she resided for several years in Launceston, and conducted classes in painting. About 1893 she went to reside with her father at West Devonport and was secretary of the old Liberal League and other public bodies. Some of her pictures secured third place in the British Art Exhibition in London. She has left a collection of beautiful paintings, among others, of Tasmanian wildflowers. Besides her two sisters, Misses Bessie and Lucy Cocker, there are three brothers, Mr. J. R. Cocker, of Lower Barrington, Mr. W. B. Cocker, of Devonport, and Mr. David Cocker, of Launceston. Her funeral will take place from Hawthorne, Spreyton, to the Devonport cemetery at 3 o'clock today.