PERSONALITIES OF THE CAMBRIDGE DISTRICT

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXI, Issue 2449, 7 March 1931, Page 2

PERSONALITIES OF THE CAMBRIDGE DISTRICT

* MR GEORGE E. CLARK. CAMBRIDGE’S “GRAND OLD MAN. ’ ’ \ Without, doubt there is no more outstanding or bettor known person in the Cambridge district, or for that matter in the Waikato, than Mr George Edward Clark, “Cambridge’s Grand Ohl Man.” There is no one in the district more entitled to that appellation than Mr Clark for, on Friday, November 28 last, he passed the ninetieth milestone of his life, 63 years of which he has spent in this district. It continues to be a joy to his legion of friends in Cambridge and South Auckland, that despite his advanced years he still enjoys good health, and if his constitution is not as strong as it urns a decade ago, it is hoped that Mr Clark may be spared to reach his century. George Edward Clark was born in Cambridgeshire, England, in 1840, coming from good old yeoman stock. At the age of 24, after working on his father’s farm, he decided to try his luck in a far-off clime, his choice falling upon New Zealand. In 1864 Mr Clark arrived at Auckland in the ship, “Jumna” and after acting as a shop assistant for a short period he married and then decided to take up land, acquiring a section of 300 acres at Pukcroro. Subsequently Mr Clark increased his holding to 600 acres and here lie farmed successfully for 27 years, wdien he sold out and founded the embryo of the subsequent widely-known firm of Goo. E. Clark and Sons. Before coming into Cambridge Mr Clark and his "wife experienced all the trials and hardships of pioneering, and there is much lie has told, and can tell, of the early days in this part of the province. In earlier years Mr Clark took an active interest in all the affairs of the town and district. He was organiser of the Waikato Farmers’ Club; member of the Waikato County Council and the Cambridge Road Board; also of the Borough Council, Waikato Central Agricultural Association, and patron and member of many other societies in the district. It is ever a matter for comment that despite his advanced years Mr Clark still retains perfectly all his faculties. He ascribes his long, healthy life to moderation in all things. Apart from his business, which he still regularly attends, the hobby most dear to Mr Clark’s heart is the game of bowls. Up. till a year ago Mr Clark was to be seen regularly • upon the greens, and. although he now prefers to watch the game from the “bank” his interest is as keen as ever. Mr Clark is a staunch Methodist and the local church and congregation have much to thank him for, for he has ever been generous in this connection. As the “Grand Old Man” of Cambridge Mr Clark is fittingly named, and our readers w r ill join with us in expressing the hope that we may have the privilege of having his genial, kindly personality among us for many years to come.