Obituaries Australia

Mr Frank Clifton Green, who died in Hobart yesterday, aged 84, was Clerk of the House of Representatives for a record 18-year term from 1937 to 1955.

In a tribute, the Prime Minister, Mr Whitlam, said yesterday that Mr Green had been one of the outstanding public servants and had observed and recorded some of the greatest events in the nation's history.

"His devotion to the cause of democracy and parliamentary government, his lively involvement in the dramas and personalities of the political scene and his deep concern for the reputation of Parliament and the rights of its Members, endeared him to all who worked with him in the service of the Australian people", he said.

Mr Whitlam said he felt a personal loss as his family had been associated with the Green family since 1928.

He had long valued Mr Green's friendship and advice, and believed he spoke for all his parliamentary colleagues in extending his deepest sympathy to his widow and family.

Mr Green was born on June 26, 1890, at Mole Creek, near Deloraine, Tasmania, and was educated in Hobart before entering the Tasmanian Crown Law Department in 1909.

He joined the staff of the House of Representatives in 1921 as Clerk of Papers after he had been Assistant Clerk in the Tasmanian House of Assembly for 10 years.

He came to Canberra in 1927, as Clerk Assistant of the House of Representatives and 10 years later began his 18-year term as Clerk of the House.

The present Clerk of the House, Mr N. J. Parkes, said Mr Green was well-liked and respected around the House.

He said that in his youth Mr Green had been a very keen sportsman and a very good cricketer. Later he became interested in trout fishing and had often travelled to the Snowy Mountains to fish.

"He was also a great raconteur who could keep you entertained for hours", Mr Parkes said.

When Mr Green retired in 1955, Members of all parties in the House expressed their gratitude for his service with feelings of warmth and respect.

In wishing him well for the future, the then Minister for Defence Production. Sir Eric Harrison, described Mr Green as "mentor, father and friend of honourable Members of this House".

During World War I, Mr Green served in Belgium and France with the 40th Battalion, AIF for four years and was awarded the Military Cross. In 1959 he was awarded the CBE.

Mr Green's funeral will take place in Hobart at noon today.