CLARKE, GEORGE (1798-1875) was born in England and apprenticed to a gunsmith. He was early interested in mission work. Arriving in New South Wales in Oct 1822, he stayed with Samuel Marsden at Parramatta until Jan 1823, when he was sent to assist in the formation of a settlement for the benefit of Australian natives.

Early in 1824 Marsden arranged for him to proceed to New Zealand with his wife and son in the French corvette Coquille, which arrived at Bay of Islands on 3 Apr. Stationed at Kerikeri, and living at first with the Kemps, he knew Hongi well and enjoyed his friendship, though Hongi always resented his refusal to practise his trade of a gunsmith. Teaching in the native school, Clarke acquired the language so rapidly that he was able to assist Marsden on his next pilgrimage in New Zealand. When the Wesleyan mission at Wesleydale was sacked (early in 1827) Clarke hastened to assist the distressed missionaries to the Bay of Islands. Governor Hobson, impressed by his knowledge of the Maori and his success in establishing a farm colony at Waimate, offered him the post of protector of aborigines (May 1841). In the next few years he rendered capable and interesting reports upon native affairs in all parts of the country. His advocacy of the rights of the natives made him unpopular in the Company's settlements. It was on his advice that Hobson concluded the purchase which led to Nopera's war. He advised also on the claims of Waikato in north Taranaki and on the purchase of the Waitemata (which was never impugned). He had great influence also with Governor FitzRoy, who relied upon his advice; but Governor Grey was less impressed with his qualities. He recognised the incongruity of a protector taking part in the purchase of native lands, and later questioned the validity of his own landed possessions. In 1846 Grey abolished the protectorate and assumed personally the management of native affairs.

Clarke returned to duty as New Zealand secretary of the Church Missionary Society, but his connection was terminated by the Society (with that of Henry Williams) in Nov 1849. Returning to settle at Bay of Islands, Clarke was elected in Sep 1852 to the Legislative Council of New Ulster (which never met). In the following year he was elected to the Auckland Provincial Council for Bay of Islands, but at the following election (1855) he was defeated. Clarke was a judge of the native land court for some years. He died on 29 Jul 1875.

Two of his sons were the Rev GEORGE CLARKE (q.v.), and Henry TACY CLARKE (d. 1902), who was a judge of the native land court and M.P.C. for Bay of Islands 1859-60.

G.B.O.P., 1847; Parltry Record; Clarke; Stock; Ramsden; Thomson; Marsden, L. and J.; E. Wilson; Queen v. George Clarke (report of action to annul a land grant) 1844; Sir W. Martin.

Reference: Volume 1, page 96

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