OBITUARY

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 55, 20 March 1937, Page 6

OBITUARY

MR FREDERICK G. G. COUPER Mr Frederick Georgo Grey Couper, who was bom in Havelock North and lived for many years in Hawke's Bay and the ,Manawatu, died recently at his residence in Westbrook, Toowoomba, Australia, at the age of 63 years. Mr Couper was the son of the late Mr W. A. Couper, of Kahuranaki Station, Hawke's Bay, one of the earliest pioneers in the district, Mr Couper, who was one of a family of twelve, was educated at Wellington College, ■ Wellington, and at Christ's College, Christchurch. Later he purchased a property in the Manawatu, 16 miles from Palmerston North. He becapie a member of the Glen Orua Drainage Board, and was a member of the committee of the Palmerston North Show Society. From Palmerston North, Mr Couper moved to Australia, purchasing Westbrook Station, on the Darling Downs. Here he commenced breeding fat lambs and stud Leicester and Southdown sheep. Later he devoted his attention to the breeding of high-class dairy cattle and Clydesdale horses. He imported the Clydesdale stallion, Duke of Cornwall', from New Zealand, and was widely known in Australia as a breeder of cattle and Clydesdale horses. Some years ago he sub-divided the homestead portion of Westbrook station, and to-day there are a dozen thriving farms on the property. He also made a gift of land for the building of the Westbrook cheese faetory. Although of a retiring nature Mr Couper was well known for his ready , assistance and finance in supporting any progressive move. He was also a keen member and enthusiastic worker in the R.A. Society, being one of the oldpst members of the committee and for many years a vice-president. He was a familiar figure at tlie annual polo tournaments at Clifford Park, where he acted as honorary timekeeper. Mr Couper wap exceptionally well versed in the game and there were few better judges of players or ponies than he was. Mr Couper married Miss Mary Lowe, third daughter of the late Mr W. Lowe, of Masterton, He is survived by Mrs Couper, one daughter, Mrs Fred MacKenzie, , of "Gruinard", Hawke's Bay, and tliree sons, Messrs Harryy L. Couper, Argyll, Hawke's Bay, Mr Bruce Couper and Mr R. H. Couper, "hoth of Westbrook, Australia. Mr Couper was buried in the Toowoom- . ba cenetery.