Laurence Sinclair Hancock

OBITUARY. FRANKLIN TIMES, VOLUME 11, ISSUE 844, 25 SEPTEMBER 1923, PAGE 5

"LAURENCE SINCLAIR HANCOCK. FORMER BOMBAY RESIDENT. The death occurred at Hinuera recently of Mr Laurence Sinclair Hancock from influenza. Mr Hancock was born at Bombay, near Pukekohe, in 1882, and received his education at the Bombay School, and for many years was a prominent footballer. Prior to its closing about six years ago the late Mr Hancock was for seven years manager of the old Matamata creamery, which was on the site near where the Matamata private hotel now stands. Mr Hancock then took up land in the Hinuera district and started farming operations, which he carried on successfully until the time of his death. The interment took place at the Matamata cemetery, the Rev. W. E. Connolly officiating at the graveside. A large number of friends and sympathisers were present at the funeral and the floral tributes were many and varied. The deceased was of an affable and kindly disposition, and held in high esteem by all sections of the community. He leaves a widow and young family of five, the former being a sister of Mr S. Ellery, of Matamata.

At the Matamata Rugby Union meeting reference was made to the demise of an old Matamata and Waikato representative forward in Mr L. Hancock. It was stated that lie was one of the pioneer footballers of the Matamata district, being a member of the Matamata Club when it was affiliated with the Piako Union, and later when the Matamata Union was formed. He was a forward of outstanding merit and was ultimately one of three Matamata players selected to play for the South Auckland Rugby Union. The president, Mr W. C. Goote, moved a vote of condolence to the widow-, children and relatives and this was carried in silence."