DR. R. G. B. SINCLAIR,
The death at Wellington, after a long illness, of Dr. Robert Gemmell Burnett Sinclair, of Hawera, which was announced in yesterday's issue, has removed a sportsman and a gentleman, who leaves behind him a fine record as a doctor, an athlete, and a man.
Dr. Sinclair, who was 35 years of age, received his early education at the Central School, New Plymouth. From 1909 to 1915 he was a pupil at the New Plymouth High School, which he represented for three years at football and for two years at cricket. Even in those years he achieved distinction by his remarkable goal kicking from the half-way line. On leaving school he commenced his medical studies at the University of Otago, but after two years joined with the New Zealand forces. He went to the front as a second-lieutenant in the Taranaki Infantry Battalion.
Following his demobilisation he resumed his studies at Otago University. In the post-war years he played for the 'Varsity A Rugby team, which at that time was practically invincible. During this period he was capped for Rugby for Otago, for New Zealand Universities, and for New Zealand, succeeding Kingston, another Taranaki full-back. He was regarded as certain of inclusion in the famous 1924 team, but for business reasons was unable to make the trip. However, he had already created an indelible reputation by his sterling performance in the last Test match against the Springboks.
In 1923 Dr. Sinclair took up the position of house surgeon at the Hawera hospital. After a short period he entered into partnership with Dr. W. F. Buist, later setting up in practice on his own account. For some years he was anaesthetist at the Hawera Hospital.
Dr. Sinclair leaves a widow (nee Reid, Dunedin) and two young children, a son and a daughter. His father, who was well known in North Taranaki, and his elder brother are both dead, but his mother and sister are living near Dunedin. -Press, 30/6/1932.
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