Obituaries Australia

Mr. Frederick Irving Body, of Bundemar, Trangie, N.S.W., and other pastoral properties, who was one of the best known figures in Merino stud sheep breeding circles in Australia, died suddenly at Sydney on 31st January.

Frederick Body was the eldest of the family of four sons and one daughter of the late Mr. P. E. Body and was born in 1879. He was two years old when his father purchased Bundemar and it was there that Fred Body became an out-standing personality in the grazing and sheep world. He was educated at Hayfield Preparatory School and The Kings School, Parramatta, N.S.W.

Mr. Body entered Kings in 1893 and had a distinguished record. In the sporting field he played in the cricket team from 1894 to 1898, in the football Fifteen from 1895 to 1898, and in both games he made the combined schools team. He top scored in two or three combined schools cricket matches, and also while still at school played with the University First Fifteen in its last three competition matches in 1898. He played one game of cricket for Central Cumberland, and in this he top scored with 80, having the satisfaction of making a prolific stand with the late Bill Howell, of cricket fame. He captained The Kings School in football and cricket in 1898, and was acting-captain of the school in the latter part of that year.

After leaving school Mr. Body returned to Bundemar, and on his father's death in 1906 became trustee and manager of the estate. He held these positions until 1919, when an illness forced his retirement, and it was during his period of management that Bundemar first came into prominence in the Merino stud world. His brother, Mr. E. I. Body, then took over the management of the Estate late F. E. Body, of Bundemar, and associated pastoral interests, which are run in partnership by the Body family.

In grazing circles the late Mr. Body was looked upon as one of the leaders of his day and his opinion was much valued on all matters pertaining to grazing and sheep. He was the first president of the Trangie P. and H. Association, and with the late Mr. A. K. Butler laid the foundations of that prominent country show. He was also on the council of the New South Wales Sheepbreeders' Association.

His interest in sport never waned, and at one time he raced Greenstead in partnership and won some good races, including the Epsom, Craven Plate, and All Aged Stakes.

The late Mr. Body had a host of friends, who will always remember his remarkable personality. He is survived by his widow, and a married daughter, Mrs. Gray, who lives in England.