Obituaries Australia

Mr. David Cocker, well-known barrister and solicitor, of Launceston, died suddenly at his residence, 33 Erina street, Launceston, yesterday, at the age of 71. He was the youngest son of the late Mr. David Cocker, of West Devonport, and was educated at the Launceston High School, where he studied for and subsequently passed the A.A. degree. He was articled to the well-known lawyer Mr. W. A. B. Birchall. He was a brilliant scholar and after passing his examinations with high honours was admitted to the Bar in 1892 and began practising that year. Among the important cases handled by Mr. Cocker was that of Bird v. Bull and Brothers, in equity, heard before the Full Court for two days. This case had some extraordinary features and bristled with legal points. During the course of the arguments some very technical matters were raised concerning the statutes of limitation and the enforcement of trusts in respect of ungranted land.

In his youth Mr. Cocker took a keen interest in sport. He played both cricket and football and was a good athlete. He was also interested in many public bodies. He was a foundation member of the Northern Club and drew up its constitution and has been solicitor to the Northern Tasmanian Trotting Club, Danbury Park Trotting Club and the Newnham Racing Club since their inception. He was also a member of the Commercial Travellers' Club.

He was of a very kindly disposition and never refused to help anyone out of any difficulty. He was not only respected throughout Tasmania but was also well known in Victoria. He was highly trusted and respected by all persons he came in contact with. His reputation was one of the most honourable. He was of a retiring disposition.

He is survived by his wife, a sister of Lieut.-Colonel Murray, V.C., and four children, Joshua, Margaret, Leslie and Joseph. Sisters living are Misses Bessie and Lucy Cocker, of Spreyton. Brothers living are Messrs. W. B. Cocker, Devonport, and J. R. Cocker, Barrington.

A grand-daughter, Miss Margaret Cocker, who was admitted to the Bar on May 5, is the first woman legal practitioner admitted in Launceston.

The funeral will take place to morrow.