OBITUARY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 289, 3 November 1934, Page 7

OBITUARY.

MR ALFRED CLARKE. A link with the early days of the Manawatu district and the Manawatu Agricultural and Pastoral Association was broken by the death of Mr Alfred Clarke, which occurred at his residence on Tuesday last—one day before the 49tli annual exhibition of the local society. Born at Norfolk, England, 78 years ago, Mr Clarke came to New Zealand in the clipper ship Star of Germany, which arrived at Auckland on November 23, 1875. Thus, had Mr Clarke lived for another year he wpuld have celebrated the 60th year of his landing in the Dominion and would have been an honoured visitor at the jubilee celebrations of the Manawatu A. and P. Association, for he was the first secretary of the association. Although only 19 years of age at the time of his leaving his native land, Mr Clarke was then of a studious mind, as is evidenced by a diary which he kept of the journey, the ship’s captain and complement being -recorded therein, in addition to the loggings of each day’s trip, etc., but like many pioneers, he was called upon to undertake unusual occupations for a period, and he was engaged in mining and gumdigging prior to working his way southwards via New Plymouth and Wanganui to Wellington, prior to coming to Palmerston North half a century ago. An excellent penman, he was appointed -to the position of secretary to the Manawatu A. and P. Association when it was established in 1886, and he held office till 1890 when he was succeeded by Mr C. C. Miles, who filled the position till 1898. In the ensuing years Mr D. A. Watt (1898-1900) and Mr J. C. Lane (19001911) held office for varying terms prior to Mr W. T. Penny accepting the position in 1911, and which he held till this year. Mr Clarke was able to witness the wonderful development which the association has made. For a time he was a member of the firm of Messrs Grace, Clarke and Coy., who were in business in the Square, while he was later secretary to the Awahuri and Whakarongo Dairy Companies and the Fresh Food and Ice Company, his association with the Awahuri Dairy Company extending over 25 years. Ten years ago he retired from business and lived quietly in Russell Street. While his health had not been very robust for some time, it was only during the last three months that he was confined to his bed. By his passing the community has lost a worthy citizen, and the Gospel Hall a very active member, Mr Clarke having been assembly officer, Sunday School teacher, Bible Class leader, open-air speaker and elder at different periods. Of a family of four brothers and two sisters, only one, Mr George Clarke, Aylsham, England, is left, while Miss Clarke, a niece, is the only relative in New Zealand. _ Mrs predeceased her husband in 1925 and there was no family. One brother, who was also a resident of Palmerston North, Mr A. J. Clarke, passed away six years ago-. The funeral took place on Wednesday and prior to the cortege proceeding to the cemetery, a service was held in the Gospel Hall, when Messrs J. G. Harvey and G. Arnold officiated, while at the graveside Mr A. E. Pickin paid a tribute to deceased’s memory, feelingly remarking that their late brother had been well-known as a worthy citizen, whose honourable actions had exceeded those of most men. MR GEORGE MORGAN EVANS. An association of well over half a century with Palmerston North was broken by the death on Monday of Mr George Morgan Evans, of Worcester Street, at the age of 61 years. As a child Mr Evans came to New Zealand with his parents, Mr and Mrs W. Evans, from his birthplace, Swansea, Wales’ He received his education in Palmerston North, the family, settling at this centre upon their arrival and Mr Evans’s boyhood days were also spent in the Manawatu district. As a youth he undertook farming operations in the Levin district and while there married Mrs Evans, then Miss Francita Oldham. He later returned to Palmerston North and had ever since resided at this centre. . Mr Evans was employed in connection with the building trade for a long period of years. In his earlier days Mr Evans was a well-known Rugby player about the Manawatu district, while for the last 37 years he had been a member of the Loyal Manawatu Lodge of Oddfellows. He was the possessor of a quiet nature that carried with it, however a character which was known for sterling worth and his passing, following a brief illness, came as a shock to a wide circle of friends who held him in the highest regard. Besides his widow there are left to mourn their loss one son and one daughter, l rank (Palmerston North) and Mrs J. Curtis (Palmerston North); a brother Mr W. Evans (Auckland) and a sister, Mrs W. H. Smith (Ohau). - The funeral which was held on Wednesday, was largely attended.,Mr Evans was accorded full lodge honours at the graveside.