Obituaries Australia

Mr A. E. [Albert Edmund] Cockram, who died on Saturday after a long illness, was for many years well known in racing and business circles both in this and other States. He was born at Gingin in 1870 and was educated at Perth High School (now known as Hale School).

For a brief period he carried on business as a produce merchant and sweets manufacturer and then, in conjunction with his brother-in-law. Mr J. Carmichael, he engaged in the wholesale butchering trade. Mr Cockram bought several farms, on which he bred stud sheep, thoroughbred horses and dairy stock. He was one of the first to import into this State from England Dorset Horn sheep for the purpose of serving the early lamb trade. He was one of the largest importers in Australia of thoroughbred stock of every description, though it was in horses that he specialised. Numerous good horses were brought from England by Mr Cockram and, although they mostly won big races in the colours of other owners to the West Australian importer is due the credit for bringing the thoroughbreds to this country. The list includes Contino, Peter the Hermit, Rebus, Sea Crest, Apple Charlotte, Ian Or, Sir Thomas, Dollar Dictator, Poetical, Brown Rajah, One Away, Great Applause, The Verderer, Satelles, Sansofine and Melting Point.

About 49 years ago Mr Cockram purchased Burswood Island on which are now situated the Belmont Park and Goodwood racecourses. The next speculative move of Mr Cockram and his brother-in-law was the acquisition of property having frontages to Barrack-street and Murray-street, the amount paid being £11,000. Subsequent to the purchase the property was subdivided and the partners within 19 months of their purchase, sold out at £34,000. For years afterwards Mr Cockram concentrated on all classes of station and farm stock, particularly horses. The first horse he ever bought was unbroken. Named Plutus, this horse soon won for his new owner and returned a dividend of £96 for 10/.

For many years Mr Cockram was a prominent member of the Royal Agricultural Society and as a judge of horses and cattle his services were requisitioned for the Royal and country shows. He judged in practically every State of the Commonwealth. Mr Cockram identified himself with mining and was for a number of years chairman of directors of the Griffin Coal Mining Company. He visited the United Kingdom on several occasions. Mr Cockram's sons (Vivian and Claude) were in their younger days prominent amateur riders.