Obituary

LORD FORSTER

OVERSEA GOVERNOR AND

SPORTSMAN

Lord Forster, who died yesterday in a London nursing home at the age of 69, was a typical English gentleman. Cricketer, politician, oversea Governor, he accomplished well and efficiently all that he undertook. Quiet and urbane, of ready accessibility and simple tastes, of tall, athletic frame and winning manners, he was well liked by all and beloved by a large circle of friends. His death will be widely mourned both here and in Australia.

Henry William Forster, the second son of Major John Forster, of Lewisham and Exbury, Hampshire, was born on January 31, 1866. He went to Eton in 1880 and was in Mr. R. A. H. Mitchell's house. He played in the XI. in 1883-4-5 and-was Keeper of Rackets in 1884-5. He went up to New College and his slow left-hand bowling often proved useful to Oxford. He was a right-hand batsman, and a sound mid-off. He was in the Oxford XI. in 1887 and the two succeeding years. In the first year, when Oxford defeated Cambridge by seven wickets, he made 60 not out. After taking his degree he played for Kent and Hampshire, of which he was captain in 1889; he also played for the Gentlemen against the Players.' Throughout life he retained his interest in cricket,-and it was a matter-of great pride to him to be elected president of the M.C.C. in 1918. In later life he

also took up golf. He became one of the best players in the House of Commons and on one occasion he won the Parliamentary handicap. He was captain of the Royal and Ancient Club in 1917. He was also very fond of yachting and had long been a member of the Royal Yacht Squadron. He won many races with his eight-metre yacht Unity. In 1890 he married Rachel Cecily, daughter of the first Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, and in all his activities she was his unfailing helper and comrade.

In 1892, at the age of 26, Forster was elected as Conservative member for Sevenoaks, and held the seat until he was returned for Bromley in 1918. He soon became a popular and prominent figure in the House of Commons. He was appointed a Whip in 1902 under the Unionist Administration, and held the appointment until 1905. During the succeeding years of the Liberal Administration he was one of the Opposition Whips, and was entrusted with the position of critic of Mr. Lloyd George's Insurance Bill. He won his spurs in the debate on that Bill, showing great knowledge of detail and no small debating power. Mr. Lloyd George admitted the value of his counsel and criticism.

On the formation of the Coalition Government in 1915 he was appointed Financial Secretary of the War Office. No better choice could have been made. He had to deal with difficult questions of pensions and allowances, on some of which strong public...