Marsden Clarke, JP, (1837-10/5/1889). "its brightest ornament"

 THE LATE MR. MARSDEN CLARKE, J.P. OF WAIMATE.

Some weeks ago (writes our Kawakawa correspondent) the wide circle of friends and relations of the well-known family of Clarke, of Waimate, were much grieved at the continued illness of Mr. Marsden Clarke, J.P., of Waimate, and his removal to Auckland on the 25th ult. for medical consultation and advice was heard of by all with deep concern and anxiety; still hopes were entertained that the change and medical skill would restore him soon again to his well-loved home and friends. These hopes, however, proved vain, as the very first news from Auckland, was of his increased illness, and that very little hope was entertained of his recovery. On Friday, the 10th of May, a telegram was received at the Bay of Islands that the end had come, and that the community had lost its brightest ornament and worthiest member. It was only some weeks previously that we had had to lament the departure of Archdeacon Clarke, of Waimate, an elder brother, and equally identified with the district, who had to leave on account of impaired health, and visit England, a sea voyage being recommended. Mrs. Clarke and his brother John had accompanied Mr. Marsden Clarke from Waimate, and his father-in-law, Bishop Stuart of Waiapu, was also in Auckland soon after, being summoned to see him ere he died. The news of his death cast quite a gloom over the whole county, so generally was Mr. Marsden Clarke known, loved, and esteemed by all. As Justice of the Peace he was equally respected and honoured. He was also the member of the County Council for many years for Waimate, and in other movements that he inaugurated, by his zeal and interest he made successful and beneficial to the district. His loss, therefore, is most deeply felt by all — more so, if it were possible, as they are more demonstrative, by the natives, amongst whom he was most highly esteemed, being thoroughly conversant with their language and their customs. His remains, attended by his sorrowing relatives, Mr. John Clarke and the Bishop of Waiapu, were brought up to Russell by the Clansman on Tuesday morning, and removed in the smaller steamer, Ida, to the Waitangi Falls, then escorted to the parsonage at Waimate, whence they were borne in the afternoon to their last resting place in the cemetery close by. At the particular request of the Maoris, who sadly wept over the remains, the coffin was carried to the grave by them, whilst the native minister, with the Bishop of Waiapu and the Rev. Philip Walsh, officiated in the last sad rites at the grave. Though there was a regular downpour of rain that day every portion of the county was fully represented.  -NZ Herald, 29/5/1889.

Waimate North Cemetery.