"DESPATCH RIDER’S DEATH ACCIDENT AT PAERATA PROMISING FOOTBALLER Fatal injuries were suffered by a military despatch rider, Private Robert Henry Cocker, single, aged 20, son of Mr R. Cocker, of 52 New North Road, Eden Terrace, shortly after noon on Friday, when the motor-cycle he was riding collided head-on with a motorcar at Paerata, at the junction of the Pukekohe and Waiuku Roads. The car, driven by Mr W. Stevenson, of Pukekohe, was proceeding toward Waiuku. Both the car. and the cycle were extensively damaged, but Mr Stevenson escaped injury. Private Cocker, who was rendered unconscious, was admitted to the Auckland Hospital, but he died early on Saturday morning. Private Cocker was a promising Association footballer. He commenced his career as a soccer player as a member of the Grafton school team and later joined the Y.M.C.A. team and eventually became a senior member of the Thistle club. He represented Auckland on several occasions in matches against Wellington, playing as goalkeeper. He was the youngest representative player to turn out for Auckland in that position. Private Cocker was immensely popular among members of the Territorial units with whom he came in contact and was most reliable in the discharge of his duties."

FRANKLIN TIMES, VOLUME XXXI, ISSUE 22, 23 FEBRUARY 1942, PAGE 2