LEADERS OF SOCIETY.

Observer, Volume 2, Issue 35, 14 May 1881, Page 377

LEADERS OF SOCIETY.

.N0.2.— The Mayoress (Mes.McCosh Clark.) The genial and kindly hostess of the Towers, .although she has not been amongst us many years, is fully entitled to take brevet rank as one of the leaders of our society. A clever and accomplished woman, a creditable artist, a ' brilliant musician ; she possesses also the best .appointed establishment in or near Auckland, I might almost say, in the provincial district of Auckland. Her husband, of course, is one of our nouveaux riches. Some can remember him as a young lad serving behind his father's counter. He is a living example of what may be achieved in New Zealand, by a clear, shrewd brain, a steadfast will, and an untiring energy of purpose. He is so universally esteemed that, as his Avell-appointed carriage drives down Queen-street, there is no man or woman avlio would for one moment grudge him the distinguished position he has gained. And Mrs. Clark is a fitting helpmeet for him. In her hands the honor and dignity of the Mayoralty is safe. She knows how to preside at any and every entertainment, and, perfectly at ease herself, soon makes her guests at ease also. She has been the leading spirit of the Auckland Skating Club ; and if it expires of inanition this winter, it will not be for want of aid from her. They do a little mild acting at .the Towers on wintei nights, and do it not so badly. Remuera avoulcl be dul^ without Mrs. McCosh Clark. At the late Exhibition of paintings and Avorks of art, in the Choral Hall, the Mayoress took a prominent part, both in active work and in exhibiting. She may be considered as the patroness of jesthetic art in Auckland ; and as there is but little love, and little taste, for these things in this Colony ■devoted almost to Mammon — Aye may Avell make much of so warm a friend, especially when she sits in high places. Her lot in this <city has been as yet all couleur de rose. She loioays nothing of the early struggles, the early fears, the early hopes. With the living present, with the dawning future, her destiny is cast.' May she and her husband both remember that the highest civic dignitaries of so important a •city as Auckland must be neither Scotch nor Irish nor English, but cosmopolitans— citizens -of the world. t Esmond.