Obituaries Australia

Mr A. R. [Audley Raoul] Lempriere, who was well known as a wool broker and in sporting circles, died on Saturday at his home in Punt road, South Yarra. He had been ill for some time, but his condition had not been regarded as serious until early last week.

Mr Lempriere was born at Balaclava, Victoria in 1876. As a young man, having gained experience on the technical desk of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co Ltd, he went to Bradford and completed his wool studies. Upon his return he joined the wool valuing staff of the company. In 1904 he became a partner in the wool buying firm of G. and W. Townend of Bradford and he remained until 1916 when, owing to war conditions, the Australian wool sales were abandoned. Mr Lempriere then acted as an appraiser for the Government. When the conditions became more normal he took over the sole Australian interests of G. and W. Townend and two years ago the business was acquired by A. R. Lempriere and Co Pty Ltd. In the early days of the war Mr Lempriere made large purchases of wool for the Italian Government, but before and subsequent to that time he had been one of the leading buyers in the markets of the Commonwealth.

Mr Lempriere was always fond of outdoor sport. He was a keen follower of the Melbourne Hounds, of which his brother, Mr J. T. Lempriere (who later was killed on the Geelong polo ground) was master for a time. His first important success as a golfer was in the Victorian doubles championship when he was partnered with Mr Rupert Green. He was twice champion of the Royal Melbourne Golf Club and in 1918 he won the amateur championship of Victoria and was runner-up to Mr Ivo Whitton in the open championship contest. Mr Lempriere was a member of the committee of the Moonee Valley Racing Club. For many years he raced horses in partnership with his friend Mr J. A. MacLeod of the Victoria Racing Club committee. They were interested principipally in jumpers, with which they experienced many successes, chief among them being that of Gasomp, who won the Australian Steeplechase at Caulfield. Other notable horses raced by the partnership were Minterne, Fleet Lady, Dr James. and Aquarock.

Mr Lempriere is survived by a widow, three sons, all of whom are associated with the wool industry, and a married daughter Mrs Robin Todhunter, of London.

The funeral will arrive at Brighton Cemetery this afternoon at 3 o'clock. The arrangements are being made by A.A. Sleight Pty Ltd.