THE LATE MAYOR.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 November 1920, Page 4

THE LATE MAYOR.

The sudden death yesterday of the Mayor of New Plymouth (Mr. James Clarke), who was one of the victims of the aeroplane fatality, is a great blow to the town. Mr. Clarke took office at a time when municipal affairs needed a man above the average in ability, succeeding as he did a very efficient Mayor, and he gave his best in the service of his fellow townspeople. He was one of those thorough, virile men, who, having undertaken a task, devoted all his energies thereto, making large sacrifices in business and private life in order to forward the progress of the borough and the best interests of its inhabitants. Pew, people realise the extent of the demands made on the occupant of the Mayoral chair in a. town like New Plymouth. That Mr. Clarke met those demands in a wholehearted and unselfish spirit must be admitted by all who have the slightest comprehension of what he has' accomplished. Cut off in the prime of life, he leaves a record that stamps his work with the impress, of a conscientious and successful administrator, and although he contemplated retiring fr.om office almost immediately, it was for business and domestic reasons, that could not be put aside. The town is decidedly poorer in consequence of the death of such a worthy public man. and his loss will be deeply deplored, not only because of the way in which his end came, but by reason of the fact that he has rendered such valuable service to his fellow townspeople and made great sacrifices in the cause of public duty. His example may well be an inspiration to others to follow in his footsteps. _ A grateful community pays tribute to his work, while filled with symI pathy for his bereaved widow and I family.