OBITUARY

Southland Times, Issue 22042, 15 June 1933, Page 4

OBITUARY

MR F. H. COOKE. One of the best of the left-hand bowlers produced in New Zealand, Mr Frank Herbert Cooke, died in Palmerston North on Saturday morning last. He was born in Melbourne, but was educated in Kent, and came to New Zealand in 1879. He was articled in the legal profession to Mr Denniston (afterwards Mr Justice Denniston) in the firm of Stewart and Denniston, of Dunedin, and was admitted as a barrister in 1884. In 1890 he joined Mr Arthur Southey, who had established a business in Palmerston North in 1882. After the dissolution of the partnership he practised with Mr Bruce Beal, and subsequently on his own account. He was appointed Crown Solicitor about ten years ago, and was borough solicitor for many years. During his residence in Dunedin he was a leading bowler for Carisbrook, being a slow to medium left-hand break bowler. In the few years that he played for Otago he had a remarkable record. He was a fair bat and a good field, and as a bowler had a very easy natural style, using his full height more than usual. He had a very pleasant manner, and was a most agreeable man, very highly esteemed by all who knew him. The late Mr Cooke made his first appearance for Otago in the 1879-80 season against Canterbury, taking two wickets for 26 rims and none for 11 (states the Star). This was the forerunner of many brilliant achievements as a bowler, and for years he troubled the Canterbury batsmen greatly. He played for an Otago eleven against Australia in the 1880-81 season, and against Canterbury the following year took four for 54 and two for 28. His performances in 1882-83 were most outstanding, and on a Christchurch wicket he took eight wickets for 61 and seven for 33. In 1884 he played for Otago in two matches against a Tasmanian eleven. In the first he claimed three wickets for 13 and four for 30, and in the second match his bowling was the feature of the game, his figures being six for 66 and five for 85. The same season, against Canterbury, he took four for 22 and seven for 57. His last match was against Canterbury in 1884-85, and it was a fitting climax to a short but brilliant career, as he took all the nine Canterbury wickets that fell for 73 runs, the last man being run out. He is survived by his widow and two sons, Mr P. B. Cooke and Mr Ralph Cooke, the latter being at present in England.