- Notes: Clarke, Robert (1841–1918)
from Pastoral Review
By the death of Robert Clarke, manager of the Bolinda Vale Estate, Victoria, the Shorthorn breeders of the Commonwealth have sustained an irreparable loss. He went to Sydney for the show and sales, but was taken ill on the Sunday before the show, and had to be removed to a private hospital, where he received the very best of medical skill, but it was of no avail, as he passed away on the 17th April at the ripe old age of 76 years. His wife and one of his daughters, Mrs. Warren, were with him at the last. He had been on Bolinda Vale for nearly seventy years, and had served three generations of the Clarkes, viz., W. J. T. Clarke, Sir William Clarke, and lastly Sir Rupert Clarke. He was a man most widely known and respected, and among the Shorthorn breeders was known as the Grand Old Man. He had a striking personality, and his advice was sought by many young breeders. The success of the Derrimuts to-day is mainly due to him, as he stuck to them in the days when Shorthorn cattle were a drug in the market, and many valuable herds were dispersed. He was also most particular in keeping the pedigrees of the cattle on Bolinda Vale.
Argus (Melbourne)18 April 1918
Clarke, Robert (1841–1918)
News of the death of Mr Robert Clarke, manager of the Bolinda Vale property of Sir Rupert Clarke, near Lancefield, which occurred yesterday at a private hospital in Sydney, will be learned with regret all over Australia. Mr. Clarke, who was born in Hobart 77 years ago, came to Victoria when only eight years old with the late Mr. W. J. T. Clarke, of whom, by the way, he was no relation. He gained his experience on various properties of Mr. W. J. T. Clarke, and eventually became the general manager of all his estates. He lived for a great many years at Bolinda Vale and there established the famous stud of Shorthorn cattle. Mr. Clarke went to Sydney to attend the Royal Agricultural Show just before Easter, and while there he became ill. He was regarded as probably the best judge of Shorthorn in Australia, and had acted as judge at most of the leading shows in Australia. He had been a member of the council of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria since 1886, and had been vice-president on several occasions. Since 1915 he had been one of the trustees of the society. In addition to his knowledge of Shorthorn cattle, Mr. Clarke was also a breeder of Border Leicester sheep. Mr. Clarke leaves a grown-up family. The funeral arrangements are in the hands of A. A. Sleight. |