Obituaries Australia

Widespread regret will be felt, particularly in journalistic, law, and theatrical circles, at the death of Mr. Horace Conder Rogers, which took place at his residence, Tandanya, Haselbank-road, Wollstonecraft, at 12.30 this morning.

The late Mr. H. C. Rogers, who was in his 71st year, was a native of Hobart. His father, the late Mr. G. H. Rogers, emigrated from England to Tasmania with a military regiment in the early days, but soon after arriving in Tasmania he abandoned the military profession for the stage. In the 'fifties Mr. G. H. Rogers was a distinguished comedian. He played Sir Peter Teagle in the "School for Scandal," Sir Anthony Absolute in "The Rivals," Polonius in "Hamlet," and Falstaff in "The Merry Wives of Windsor."

As a journalist, his son, the late Mr. H. C. Rogers, was noted for his versatility. He was equally at home in reporting an important Parliamentary debate, an international cricket match, or a theatrical "first night." But he specialised in law reporting, and for over thirty years was the chief law reporter of the "Sydney Morning Herald," succeeding Mr. Charles St. Julien, who was afterwards appointed Chief Justice of Fiji. Mr. Rogers was frequently asked by Supreme Court Judges, before official reporters were appointed, to supply them with a copy of his notes of the evidence, addresses, and Judgment. Many years ago Mr. David G. Ferguson assisted Mr. Rogers in the preparation of the law reports. Eventually Mr. D. G. Ferguson became Mr. Justice Ferguson, and Mr. Rogers was frequently on duty in court when Mr. Justice Ferguson was the presiding Judge. Right up to the last Judge and pressman were the best of friends, and no one was more pleased than the late Mr. Rogers when his former colleague was elevated to the Supreme Court Bench.

At 18 years of ago Mr. Rogers came to Sydney from Tasmania and began his press career at Greville and Bird's Press Agency in Bridge-Street. He was with that firm for four years in Sydney and Melbourne. In 1870 at the age of 24 he joined the literary staff of the "Sydney Morning Herald" as a junior Parliamentary reporter, and he represented this paper either in the Assembly or the Council gallery from that time up till a few months ago.

For some years, he was the dramatic critic of the "S. M. Herald," and although, when law reporting became heavy, he was relieved of the theatrical work he invariably undertook the duties when the dramatic critic was absent on his annual leave, and from time to time, up till a few weeks ago, he represented the paper at important "first nights." He took a kindly interest in the younger members of the Journalistic profession, and was extremely popular, not only with his colleagues and members of other newspaper staffs, but with the legal profession, the theatrical profession, and, indeed, all those with whom the varied nature of his newspaper work brought him into contact. He was of an amiable disposition, and many a junior was helped in reporting intricate law cases by his experience and advice. Mr. Rogers was wonderfully well preserved, and up to the last, could read without the aid of glasses. During his vacation, and at the weekend, he spent his leisure hours rambling in the bush, gathering wild flowers. Just before he was seized with illness he had arranged to spend a week or so fishing at Point Clare.

The deceased gentleman was twice married. His widow is a daughter of the late Mr. Edward Turner, of Messrs. Turner and Henderson. Hunter-street. There are three children by the first marriage – Mr. H. A. Rogers, of New Zealand, Mrs. E. Wisbey, of Mudgee, and Mr. H. O. Rogers (manager of C. E. Fulford, Ltd.), who resides at Mosman. There are five children by the second marriage – Miss Ivy Rogers, Corporal Keith Rogers (on active service), Miss Madge Rogers, Miss Mabel Rogers, and Mr. Gordon Rogers.

The funeral will take place at the Waverley Cemetery to-morrow afternoon.