Obituaries Australia

Many friends throughout Tasmania will learn with regret of the death of Mr. Thomas Cathcart Archer, of "Woolmers," Longford, a well-known figure in agricultural, municipal, and sporting life, and one who admirably carried on the traditions of a family which has been closely associated with Tasmania since the earliest days of settlement. Mr. Archer recently went to Melbourne for medical treatment, and his death occurred there on Saturday night, following an operation. Mr. Archer was in his 71st year.

Born at Invermay, Launceston, in 1862, Mr. Archer was a son of the late Mr. Thomas Chalmers Archer, and was educated at the Launceston Church Grammar School, under Rev. W. H. Savigny, and for some time was engaged in business pursuits, in the office of Messrs. Douglas and Collins.

In 1890, on the death of his father, he became the owner of the splendid "Woolmers" estate. As well as being interested in every progressive movement in the Longford district, the late Mr. Archer was always keenly interested in all branches of sport. In his younger days he was a noted cricketer, and was a representative in North v. South matches. He was an enthusiastic yachtsman, having been commodore of the Tamar Yacht Club and patron at the time of his death, as well as a boat owner for more than 50 years. He was president of the Longford Golf Club.

Mr. Archer was a generous donor to any deserving public cause, and took a particular interest in the Longford School Parents and Friends' Association. In municipal government circles he was particularly widely known and respected, and his advice at the Longford Council meetings was always received with respect, because of the ripe experience from which it was culled.

The late Mr. Archer was a Justice of the Peace and a councillor for over 32 years, and until quite recently had not missed a meeting of the council. Certainly he had not been absent from the council table once in over 30 years. He was appointed acting-Warden upon the inception of local government, and was Warden for a number of terms. At the time of his death he held the position of deputy Warden. He had been a member of the Longford Show Council since 1902. The late Mr. Archer married Eleanor Mary, second daughter of Mr. E. D. Harrap, who died only last year. They had one son, Mr. Thomas Edward Cathcart Archer, of "Woolmers," who is at present in Melbourne.