CITIZEN'S DEATH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21876, 11 August 1934, Page 13

CITIZEN'S DEATH

MR. ARCHIBALD CLARK LONG BUSINESS CAREER LINK WITH EARLY AUCKLAND Bv the death yesterday of Mr. Archibald Clark, of Remuera, at the ago of 87, Auckland has lost a business man who was prominently identified with commercial interests from an early period in the history of the city and also a representative of a family long-established in Auckland. Mr. Clark commanded wide respect, and, through being connected with a number of important firms and organisations, particularly the warehouse and manufacturing business of Archibald Clark and Sons, Limited, ho was an extremely well-known figure in the life of the city. Some weeks ago Mr. Clark, who, in spite of his great age, worked regularly in his garden, strained his heart through slipping while he was pruning a fruit tree. The trouble became worso and culminated in his death.

Mr. Clark's father, who bore the same name, was ono of the pioneers of business in Auckland. He arrived with his family from Scotland in 1849, and two years later was elected the city's first Mayor. This office he held throughout the brief reign of the first- Common Council, which was abolished in 1852 and superseded for the next 15 years by a City Board under the Auckland Provincial Council, of which Mr. Clark was for some years a member. Business Career Mr. Archibald Clark, junr., was born at Beith, Ayrshire, 011 May 24, 1847, and was brought to New Zealand by his parents. He received his early education at Mr. Stables' school, then carried on in St. Andrew's schoolroom, near the Supreme Court, and at Mr. Fletcher's school and Wesley College. His education was completed at Elmbank Academy, Glasgow. On returning from Scotland Mr. Clark entered his father's business, which was then carried on in premises in Shortland Street, and he was admitted as a partner in 1873, the firm then being known as Archibald Clark and Sons. Mr. Clark, senr., died in 1875, and he was succeeded in the management of the business by his eldest son, Mr. J. McCosh Clark, who was Mayor of Auckland from 1880 to 1883.

It was after the death of Mr. McCosh Clark in 1898 that the business of Archibald Clark and Sons was converted into a private limited liability company, and Mr. Archibald Clark became chairman of directors, a position which he continued to hold until his retirement in 1927. His death marks the termination of an extremely long association with a widely-known firm, which he entered as an apprentice eight years before his admission as a partner and in which he gained practical experience in the various departments. Life Member of Clubs Mr. Clark did not appear to any considerable extent in public life, but he was a president of the Auckland Employers' Association during its early history, and for five or six years he was secretary to the Auckland Choral Society. Mr. Clark was a life member and trustee of the Northern Club, a life member of the Commercial Travellers' Association, a life member of the Auckland Golf Club and an honorary member of the Remuera Bowling Club. A director of the Auckland Gas Company for 29 years, it was his honour to be the oldest member, by years of service, of the board of directors of that concern. Mr. Clark served in No. 3 Company of the New Zealand Volunteers from 1867 until 1871.

In 1878 he married Miss Mary Tsobel Ridings, who survives him. He leaves three sons, Mr. J. B. Clark, of Katikati; Mr. William C. Clark, of Matamata; Mr. Humphrey M. Clark, of Remuera; and one daughter, Mrs. Sydney Thorne George, of Remuera. Mr. William Clark served with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force during the Great War and Mr. H. M. Clark was an officer in the 4th Worcester Regiment.

The funeral will leave Mr. Clarke's late residence, 102 Remuera Road, at 10.30 a.m. to-day for St. Mark's Church. The interment will be private.