Obituaries Australia

Mr. Frederick Norman Clarke, formerly a prominent yachtsman, racehorse owner, and athlete, died at his residence, "Clutha," Barrack-street, this morning, at the age of 69.

Mr. Clarke was educated at Geelong Grammar School, Melbourne. For some years he was a prominent footballer in Hobart with the Holebrook Club, with which Mr. C. J. Eady, M.L.C., played. He devoted much time to sport. He owned several horses, and for many years was a member of the committee of the Tasmanian Racing Club.

For the North v. South perpetual challenge trophy for 21ft. yachts, Mr. Clarke was for a time the mainstay of the Southern contenders. The first of these races was held on March 5, 1896, and was won by his yacht, Fairlie. The race that year was held on the Tamar. On January 27 the next year, when the race was held on the Derwent, Mr. Clarke again won the race with the Ailsa. The third race, on the Tamar, was won by a Northern boat, America, but on January 27, 1899, Mr. Clarke was successful with Clutha, which was then regarded as being the fastest boat in the Southern Hemisphere. In 1900 Clutha again won the race, this time on the Tamar, when it was sailed by Scott Bros.

Mr. Clarke built several boats, in cluding Fairlie I, II, and III. Some of them were purchased in Melbourne and others at Sydney. The design for the Fairlies came from Scotland.

A keen follower of rowing, Mr. Clarke for many years endowed the Secheron Purse at the Royal Hobart Regatta, and was a vice-president of the Regatta Association.

The funeral will take place at Cornelian Bay Cemetery tomorrow.