The Mercury (Hobart)/1901/Death of Hon. H. I. J. R. Rooke

It becomes a melancholy duty to record the death of one of the best-known men in the North of the island, and, as a matter of fact well known, either personally or by repute, throughout the State. The Hon. Henry Isidor Joachim Raphael Rooke, passed away at Launceston at 6 o'clock on Thursday morning the 28th inst. The end came suddenly. While on the way from his bedroom to the bath he fell down and expired. As a commercial man, legislator, sportsman, and hail fellow well met with a wide circle of acquaintances, no man was more popular than Harry Rooke, and no man more ready to take part in public movements, whether for the benefit of society at large or deserving individuals. Of late he had been stricken with physical weakness, entailing much suffering, and though kindly hands smoothed his pillow it was felt that hopes of respite were vain. At last he has passed quietly away

He was born in Spain in 1841 and was the only son of the late Colonel Rooke, of the English Legion, who fought all through the Carlist war. He was educated in London, and came to Tasmania with his parents when 16 years of age. Alter spending some years in the country he went to Launceston, and started business as merchant and importer, which he earned on for many years He had retired from active business life for some years past. Mr. Rooke first entered political life as member for Deloraine in the Legislative Assembly, being elected on May 25, 1882. He stood for the representation of North Esk in the Legislative Council in July, 1886, and was successful, and continued to represent that constituency up to the time of his demise, having been re-elected each time without opposition. He held office as Chief Secretary from March 1 to March 29, 1887. in the Administration formed by the late Sir James Agnew, which was defeated in its taxation proposals Mr. Rooke was a prominent member of the Upper Chamber, and contributed materially towards brightening the debates by animated speeches, largely commingled of shrewdness, grasp of facts, and a caustic wit that had nothing spiteful about it. He was a member of the Executive Council, a magistrate of the territory, and visiting justice of the Gaol at Launceston. He was connected with local sporting institutions, was a steward of the Tasmanian Turf Club, and president of a number of athletic clubs He had always taken a deep interest in the volunteer movement, held the long service medal and was captain and paymaster of the Launceston Rifle Corp. He had been married twice, on the last occasion to his cousin, daughter of the Hon A. T. Rooke.