Obituaries Australia

Frank Dodds, 1894-5

State Library of Tasmania, NS738-1-770

Profound regret was felt throughout the community last night when it became known that Mr Frank Dodds, had passed away at "Stoke." The end was not altogether unexpected, as for three weeks he had been laid up with typhoid fever, but he fought stoutly against the disease, and hopes were entertained of his recovery as late as Wednesday night. It was not to be, however, for he gradually sank under the effects of the peritonitis which supervened, and passed away yesterday afternoon. Mr Frank Dodds was the second son of the Chief Justice and Lieutenant-Governor, Sir John Dodds, K.C.M.G., and was a native of Tasmania. He was educated at the High School and Christ College, winning the Newcastle scholarship, and taking his A.A. Degree. He matriculated at the University, and then received an appointment as clerk to the Law Department, where he remained till the South African war broke out, when he resigned his position, and retired on his allowance for the purpose of joining the second Australian contingent for the South African war. He passed successfully all the tests required, and Lord Hopetoun, who had taken a great liking for him, gave him a personal letter of introduction to Lord Milner, the High Commissioner of South Africa, but the war terminated, and he never had an opportunity of carrying out his intention to assist in defending the flag on the battlefield. He always excelled in outdoor sports. He was captain of his school, and the cricket and football clubs there, and afterwards he became lawn tennis champion, besides winning the champion doubles with his brother, Mr Warren Dodds, and when he took to royal tennis he soon distinguished himself by winning the junior and senior championships. When the Duke and Duchess of York visited Tasmania Sir John Dodds was Acting Governor, and Mr Frank Dodds, as ADO to his father, assisted by his brother, distinguished himself by the capable manner in which he carried out the arrangements for their Royal Highnesses and their party. Lord Crichton, ADC, conveyed a message to Sir John, complimenting Mr Frank and Mr Warren Dodds on the able manner in which they discharged the important duties which then devolved upon them. The Duke himself showed his appreciation by presenting him with a handsome gold pin, with his own coat of arms on it, accompanied by a gracious acknowledgment of the services rendered by the young A.D.C. Mr. Frank Dodds at other times acted in a similar capacity, besides showing great adaptability for the work when he subsequently became Private Secretary. The deceased had a charming manner and a lovable disposition, and these qualities endeared him to all who met him, either in business or pleasure. The regret at has early demise is not confined to this State, for letters and telegrams have been received from all parts of the Commonwealth sympathising with Sir John and Lady Dodds and their family in their bereavement. It has come as a terrible blow to his near relatives, and the sympathy of all classes goes out to them in their overwhelming grief. Mr. Frank Dodds was 34 years of age.