Archibald Clark

Archibald Clark (1805 – 17 October 1875) was a Scottish 19th-century Member of Parliament in the Auckland Region, New Zealand. He was the first Mayor of Auckland in 1851. His company, Archibald Clark and Sons, manufactured clothing and was a wholesaler.

Early life Clark was born in Beith, Scotland, in 1805, the son of Andrew Clark. He attended the University of Glasgow to become a Presbyterian minister, but returned home to take over his ill father's business before completing his studies. His first wife was Margaret McCosh, the daughter of a wealthy coal mine owner. Their eldest son, James Clark, was born in 1833 in Beith and became a mayor of Auckland (1880–1883). Clark decided to emigrate and they left London on the barque Thames on 18 July 1849, and arrived in Auckland with his third wife and four children on 25 November. Clark and his family were some of the earliest European settlers of Remuera.

Professional career

Clark established a drapery store in Shortland Street in 1850 The company ceased trading in 1928.

Political career

In 1851, local government was inaugurated in Auckland with the establishment of the Borough of Auckland. Clark was elected as the inaugural and only mayor of the borough council, serving in 1851–1852. However the legality of Auckland's elevation as a borough was legally contested and overturned. Auckland was placed under the care of a board of governors, whose chairman was Archibald Clark. He was succeeded by Walter Lee, who was chairman in 1852–1854. It was not until 1871, that Auckland was formally incorporated and Philip Philips was elected as the first mayor of the city council (by the other city councillors and not by popular vote).

He represented the City of Auckland electorate in 1860, until he was defeated (for the Newton electorate). He then represented Auckland East from 1866 to 1870, and Franklin from 1871 to 1874, when he resigned due to failing health.

Private life and death

Clark read widely, an interest that he obtained during his time at university.

Clark died on 17 October 1875 at his residence in Remuera. For almost two years, he had not participated in public life due to failing health.

He was buried three days later at Symonds Street Cemetery.

His daughter-in-law, Kate Emma McCosh Clark (wife of James McCosh Clark), wrote the first New Zealand children's story A southern cross fairy tale, which she partly illustrated, published in London in 1891.