OBITUARY.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11547, 1 April 1903, Page 8

OBITUARY.

THE REV. CHARLES CLARK. United Press Association —By Electric - Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, March 30. The death has occurred at Bristol of the Rev.» Charles Clark, well known in the colonies as a popular lecturer, aged 65. Rev. Charles* Clark, who was a Baptist minister living at Clifton, came to Christchurch first as a public entertainer in March. 1875, under the auspices of Mr R. .N. Smytho, and appeared at the Oddfellows' Hall in a ieriee of lectures, including "Dickens," "Tho Tower of London," "Westminster Abbey," and "Oliver Ucldsmith." He at once established himoelf sis a great favourite, his. eloquence and wonderful facility of expression, coupled with his, versatility, ranging from grave to gay, making him oik- of the most .successful lecturers that ever vLsitotl Cliristchurch. His "Tower of London" and "Westminster Abb-.-y' may bo cited as masterpieces of woid painting-, whilst for deep pathos and unalloyed fun his Dickens' series stands uniiviv'.leil. lie p.iid a second visit to L'ui ktchurch in April of tlie, same, y ear > and was assisted by Mi«> Christian, a very line contralto singer. His third visit wa-s p.iid to Christchurcii in November. 1877, when he gave in addition to his other leetuit.s two tiik> ones on "Oliver Cromwell" and "Thackeray." In private life he was a toioNt genial and interesting man to converse with. Widely read, with a keen observation of men and manners during his wanderings about the world, Mr Clark was a delightful companion to spand an hour with. Bc-lore taking up his abodei in Kn.gluiid. Mr Clark resided in Melbourne, where he occupied the pulpit of the Baptist Church with much success. H-a had a great admiration for the country in general, and Christchurcii in particular. His hist visit here was some three or four years ago. when he narowiy escaped losing all hit. goods and chattels in the fire at Warner's Hotel. Tlte news of his death will be received throughout the colony with profound regret.