CLARKE, GEORGE (1823-1913), son of George Clarke (q.v.), was born at Parramatta and came to New Zealand in the following year with his father. At the age of seven he was taken to Australia and lived with Marsden at Parramatta for a while.

In 1833 he went to Hobart for his education, returning to New Zealand early in 1837. He lived at Waimate and studied the classics under the Rev William Williams, with whom he moved to Poverty Bay (1839). He made many missionary journeys with his tutor in the East Cape country, where the news of the Gospel preceded them, borne by slaves returning from captivity in the north. Clarke studied Greek and Latin assiduously, and in his daily life became familiar with the character and language of the Maori people, of whose rights he was an ardent champion. In Dec 1840 he rejoined his father at Bay of Islands and shortly afterwards, resisting the desire to enter the Church forthwith, was appointed clerk in the Native Department. As interpreter at the trial of Maketu for the murder of a European family at Bay of Islands (Feb 1842) Clarke, under the instructions of the Chief Justice (Martin) explained to the natives with the utmost care the procedure of British law, and so helped materially to reconcile them to the transfer of authority to the crown. He was afterwards attached to Spain's land claims commission as interpreter and Maori advocate. The protectorate of aborigines being abolished in 1846, Clarke now desired to follow his bent, and in 1848 he sailed for England to complete his education for the ministry of the Congregational Church. He returned to the colonies in 1851 and was appointed to the Congregational Church in Collins street, Hobart (afterwards in Davey street), where he ministered for 52 years. As a minister he was eloquent, learned, zealous and broadminded. He took a great interest in higher education and was partly instrumental in bringing into existence the University of Tasmania, of which he was chancellor 1898-1907. Clarke died on 10 Mar 1913. In 1903 he published Notes on Early Life in New Zealand.

G.B.O.P., 1847/837; Cycl. N.Z., ii; Chambers Cycl.; Clarke, op. cit. (p); Marsden, L. and J.; N.Z. Herald, 19 Mar 1913.

Reference: Volume 1, page 97

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