NINETY-ONE TO-DAY

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXI, Issue 2781, 28 November 1931, Page 4

NINETY-ONE TO-DAY

MR GEO. E. CLARK. CAMBRIDGE'S GRAND OLD MAN. Known throughout the Province, and even further afield, as Cambridge's “Grand Old Man," Mr Geo. E. Clark is celebrating his 91st birthday to-day. Hale and hearty, and with all his faculties about him, taking the keenest interest in all local, Dominion and world affairs, Mr Clark is surely a wonderful example to the younger generation of to-day, and if you were to ask him, lie would toll you that he has been been favoured with longevity, because of his practise of moderation in all things. Mr Clark has never had a serious illness in his life.

Born in Cambridgeshire, England, in 1840, Mr Clark came to New Zealand in .1564 on the ship, “Jumma,” landing at Auckland. Three years later he purchased a farm of 300 acres at Pukcroro for 30/- an acre, a property that is now one of the finest parts of the Cambridge district. Mr Clark subsequently increased his holding to 600 acres, and after farming this successfully for 27 years he established the well-known business now trading as Clark and Sons of Cambridge, Hamilton and Waharoa. Despite his advanced age such is Mr Clark’s remarkable vitality that he goes to business regularly every day, and is to be found busy at his office. Mr Clark was always a keen agriculturist, and was organiser of the original Waikato Eayipers' Club. Ho was a member of the Waikato County Council for six years, of the Cambridge Road Board for several years, of the Cambridge Borough Council, and is an active member of the Waikato Central Agricultural Association. Mr Clark has always taken a keen interest in all healthy athletic games, and for a great many years bowling has been an absorbing hobby with him. He has been a very generous member to the local Bowling Club in addition to being a keen and good player in years gone by. Only recently the appreciation of the members was shown in Mr Clark being elected a life member. Mr Clark is also patron of the Leamington Club. Mr Clark is a stalwart of the Methodist Church, and here again a generous hand has been associated with his membership. Mrs Clark died is 1913. The family arc Mcsdames A. W. Gane and A. R. Cox (Cambridge), and Messrs W. E., H. H. Clark (Hamilton) and G. A. and A. R. Clark (Cambridge).