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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Clarke, Francis Thomas

Clarke, Francis Thomas, Draper and Clothier, the Cash Drapery House, Main Street, Ashurst. Telegraphic address, “Clarke, Ashurst.”Bankers, [gap — reason: illegible] Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Clarke was born in Nelson, his parents being married in the Colony. His mother arrived in New Zealand in 1840 per ship “Lady Grey,” which was owned and commanded by her father. Mr. Clarke was educated in Nelson and learned his business in Blenheim with Mr. W. B. Girling. Subsequently he had experience in the business of the Clothing Factory Company, Blenheim, and more recently in the D.I.C., at Wellington. In the winter of 1893 Mr. Clarke undertook the management of Mr. Cobb's Ashurst branch, and within a year purchased the business for himself. A few months later he was successful in buying the freehold property which consists of a large shop of nearly forty feet frontage to Main Street with a comfortable dwellinghouse attached and a fine large section of land at the back. The shop is well stocked and particularly well kept, and every attention is paid to the needs of customers. The trade extends throughout a large district and is rapidly increasing. Mr. Clarke takes orders for all kinds of men's, youths' and boys' clothing to measure, and forwards them to the Kaiapoi Woollen Factory, Christehurch, where they are executed in that Company's best style to the general satisfaction of customers. Quite a large and growing business is done in this way. Though so recently established, Mr. Clarke is working his way into a good business and is most attentive in all matters. In public offices he has taken an important part. At the time of writing he is a member of the Ashurst Brass Band, is treasurer to the local Lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars, leader of the Wesleyan Choir, and “grand master” of the Ruahine Lodge of the Independent Order of Oddfellows. About eighteen months ago he was married to Miss Manthel, of Wellington, who was well known there in musical circles