Pukekohe

New Zealand Tablet, 11 September 1919, Page 28

Pukekohe

■.- ■.-•■ :." (From our own correspondent.) , ', Quite a gloom was cast over Pukekoho and district when became known, that Mrs. Clarke, wife :of the licensee of the Pukekohe Hotel, had succumbed as a result of injuries received through a motor car accident on Satur- ■ day, August 24, followed by an operation (writes a correspondent), The late Mrs. Clarke,.: who was the youngest daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Quinn (the former being one of the pioneers of the Thames), was born in Auckland in 1857. -. . :' Deceased was educated at the Thames, and from there she went with her parents to Paeroa, and subsequently met her husband, Mr. Charles Clarke, whom she married on Christmas Day some 30 years ago. With her husband she resided at Paeroa for about two years, then returned to the Thames, and thence to Auckland, Gisborne, and New Plymouth, where they were engaged in hotel-keeping. lor 10 years Mr. and Mrs. Clarke were "mine hosts" of the White Hart Hotel at New Plymouth, and while in Taranaki the deceased became well known and very highly esteemed, regret being expressed when she left there. From New Plymouth, accompanied by her husband the deceased lady resided at Papatoetoe for a few years, and about five years ago they took over the Pukekohe Hotel, where she resided ever since. During her residence here the late Mrs. Clarke made many friends and no enemies, she was loved by one and all who came in contact with her. She took an important part in all matters pertaining to the Church, while she was foremost in charities of all descriptions, and by her death there has been removed from our town one of the finest and noblest citizens- of the community. The sympathy of a wide circle of friends is extended to the bereaved family in their .sad and irreparable loss. She leaves a husband and family of five one daughter (Miss Mabel Clarke) and four sons Messrs. Bert, Edward, John, and Desmond Clarke —to mourn their loss. Her soldier son, Mr. Edward Clarke, had recently returned from the Front after about three years' service: The funeral took place on Sunday, August 31, and was decidedly the largest ever seen here. Friends and relatives from all parts of the North Island were present, which testified to the popularity and the great esteem in which deceased was held. The funeral service was conducted by Father- Molloy, assisted by Father Skinner, of Waiuku. Father Molloy spoke very feelingly in regard to the deceased's capabilities as a citizen and as a Church worker. The family have received over 400 letters and telegrams of sympathy.R.l.P.