SUDDEN COLLAPSE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21149, 17 July 1943, Page 2

SUDDEN COLLAPSE

MR. W. CLARK'S DEATH

FARMER AND BREEDER

SERVICES CLUB SPONSOR

Following a sudden collapse at the Servicemen’s Club last night, the death of Mr. William Clark, of Opou, occurred during the early hours o! this morning. Mr. Clark was following his usual custom of visiting the club, in which he was deeply interested. He collapsed at about 9.30 o’clock, and was removed to a private hospital. As the owner of the Opou and Waipaon stations, Mr. Clark was among the best known of district farmers. Only 53 years of age, he was the second son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Clark, who were among early settlers of the district, and was educated at Wanganui College and King’s College, Auckland. For a lewyears afterwards he was on the stafi: of the Union Bank to secure commercial experience, and he then joined his father and brother in farming the Opou and Waipaoa properties, which he had carried on since his father s death several years ago. As a stud breeder, Mr. Clark also became well known. The Opou stud imported several Aberdecn-Angus bulls from overseas, while Mr. Clark s interest in thoroughbred horses led to his purchase in England and importation of Kincardine, winner of some notable English events and later to become the sire of Kindergarten, which has become one of the best known horses on the racing tracks of both Australia and New' Zealand. Mr. Clark disposed of Kincardine only a short time ago. In welfare matters requiring financial support, Mr. Clark was known to be generous, but his assistance _ was usually given anonymously or in a manner that avoided publicity. It was through his initial support and generosity that the Servicemen’s Club was able to become established in Gisborne, and he also contributed substantially towards its maintenance. His contribution was not only of a financial nature in this project, but he also took a keen personal interest in it this being demonstrated in his frequent visits to the premises. Assistance was given also to the Hine Matcroa Children’s Home, in which Mrs. Clark took a deep interest, while help given to individuals was on a scale ’the public did not realise. His wdfe and one son arc lelt to mourn their loss. The only son, Mr. John Clark, is at present serving with the New Zealand forces overseas, Ihe late Mr. Clark was the last of a family of three, a brother, whose Christian name was also John, being killed m Palestine in the last war, while a sister, Mrs. G. M. Reynolds, died a few years ago.