Obituaries Australia

Mr. Frank W. Coombes, a stipendiary steward of the Australian Jockey Club, died at his home in Devonshire-street, Chatswood, yesterday, aged 65.

Mr. Coombes was a native of England, and a journalist by profession. He had travelled widely. Before he came to Australia he was in New Zealand, and while there acted as stipendiary steward, having turned his attention to racing in an official capacity while he was a member of the staff of the Wellington Times. Mr. Coombes came to Sydney to join the stipendiary stewards of the Australian Jockey Club, at first as a deputy. In 1917 he became assistant to the late Mr. Abel Hyde, at the same time acting as steward for the Far South Racing Association. In 1924 he was appointed one of the three stipendiary stewards of the Australian Jockey Club. With his brother, Mr. Richard Coombes, he helped materially in the formation of the New South Wales National Coursing Association. Mr. Coombes went on sick leave to England two years ago and on returning he resumed duty until about six months ago.

The funeral will take place at the Crematorium this afternoon.