OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 217, 11 June 1935, Page 10

OBITUARY

Mr. J. M. Claik

The death of Mr. John Munro Clark, for 20 years a member of the staff of Messrs. Joseph Nathan and Co., occurred on Sunday morning, after a brief illness.

Mr. Clark, who was a son of the late Mr. George Clark, of Khandallab, was born in Wellington, and was educated at the Terrace School and Wellington College. He took an active interest in volunteering, and was a member of the Wellington Highland Rifles, and was also a member of the Poneke Footbail Club in the nineties. Mr. Clark went on active service with the Otago Regiment, and he became a sergeant in that corps. He left with the Main Body, and landed at Gallipoli, where he was severely wounded, suffering compound fractures of both legs. The right leg had to lie amputated. He is survived by three brothers— Messrs. J. W. Clark (Morrinsville). C. E. Clark (Mokai), W. A. Clark (Wellington), and four sisters —Mesdames H R Bagge (Blenheim) and W. Berry (Wellington), Misses Catherine Clark (R.R.C.. secretary of the New Zealand Trained Nurses’ Association) and V. Clark (Wellington). Tlie late Mr. D. G. Clark (formerly Commissioner of Taxes) was a brother.

Mr. Robert Cooper Tlie death of Mr. Robert Cooper, of Gladstone, a well-known pastoralist and sportsman, occurred tragically on Sunday evening, states a Special Service message from Masterton.- Mr. Cooper, who had been in ill health for some time, was found dead at his homestead, Hinana. He was born in the Gladstone district and was a son of Mr. and Mrs. James Cooper, two of Wairarapa’s earliest pioneer settlers. Mr. Cooper took a keen interest, in local body affairs and in all matters relating to the good of the community. For over twenty years he was a member of the Wairarapa P. and A. Society, and his expert knowledge of stock and fanning matters generally made him a valuable member. Up to about a month ago, when he resigned on account of bad health, he had represented the Maungaraki riding on the South Wairarapa County Council for nine years. Prior to leaving for the Great War, where he saw service as a gunner for four years, Mr. Cooper had served for some years as a member of the county council. He was one of the earliest and most useful members of tlie Gladstone School Committee and the Gladstone Hall Committee. He was keenly interested in sport generally, and was a generous contributor to the funds of many clubs and societies. His association with tlie Wairarapa Rugby Union dated back to pre-war years, and in the lean years immediately following the war he gave much-needed financial assistance to tlie union. In recognition of his interest and valuable services over a lengthy period he was elected a life member of the union. Practically since its inception be had been the mainstay of the Gladstone Football Club, of which he had held practically every office. Hockey also claimed his attention and interest. A keen supporter of the Gladstone Ladies’ Club, his enthusiasm was largely responsible for the growth of tlie club to a point where its team was for years regarded as one of the finest in the southern part of the North Island. He was a vice-president of both the Wairarapa Men’s and the Ladies’ Hockey Associations. He eave very material assistance when the hockey grounds at Lansdowne were being prepared for play a couple of years ago. Though Mr. Cooper’s sports interests were diversified." racing probably claimed the greatest share of his Interest and patronage. He was a staunch supporter of the Masterton Racing Club- , and at tlie time of his death held office as vice-president. He was one of the oldest stewards, having held office continuously for many years. Financially he helped the club considerably. At various times be had horses in active track work, Robbie’s Mistake and Umpire being two performers who carried his colours in recent years. The best horse lie raced was Full Rate, who years ago won many good races for him. Tlie late Mr. Cooper, who was about GO years of age. is survived by a wife and a grown-up family. Messrs. Robert (Christchurch). Jack. Charles, and David, of Gladstone, are sons, and Misses Christina and Isohel, of Gladstone. are daughters. He is also survived by five brothers and’ one sister. The brothers are Messrs. John (Taili.qpo) and William. Thomas. Peter and Alex (all of Masterton). Mrs. T- B - Braggins, Bannister Street, is a sister.