| Archibald Clark | |
|---|---|
| Archibald Clark in 1860 | |
| 1st Mayor of the Auckland Borough Council | |
| In office 1851–1852 |
|
| Preceded by | new office |
| Succeeded by | office abolished |
| Member of the New Zealand Parliament for City of Auckland |
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| In office 5 April 1860 – 5 November 1860 |
|
| Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Auckland East |
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| In office 1866 – 1870 |
|
| Preceded by | Thomas Russell |
| Succeeded by | Julius Vogel |
| Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Franklin |
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| In office 1871 – 1874 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1805 Beith, Scotland |
| Died | 17 October 1875 Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand |
| Political party | Independent |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
Archibald Clark (1805 – 17 October 1875) was a 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.
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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.[1] His first wife was Margaret McCosh, the daughter of a wealthy coal mine owner. Their eldest son, James McCosh Clark, was born in 1833 in Beith and became a mayor of Auckland in the 1880s.[2][3] 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.[2][4]
Clark established a drapery store in Shortland Street in 1850[2] and initially imported, but later manufactured clothing.[3] In 1856 or 1857, his son James became a partner in the business, which became known as Archibald Clark and Sons.[2] The company became quite large, at one time having 500 employees.[1] Their building on the corner of Wellesley Street West and Elliott Street in the Auckland CBD, built in 1910, is registered with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust as a Category II heritage structure.[5] The company ceased trading in 1928.[6]
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| Years | Term | Electorate | Party | |
| 1860 | 2nd | City of Auckland | Independent | |
| 1866–70 | 4th | Auckland East | Independent | |
| 1871–74 | 5th | Franklin | Independent | |
Auckland obtained its first local government in 1851, when the Borough of Auckland was created. Clark was elected to be the first and only mayor of the borough council, serving in 1851–1852. He was succeeded by Walter Lee, who was chairman of Auckland City Council in 1852–1854. It was not until 1871, though, that Auckland was formally incorporated and Philip Philips was elected (by the other city councillors and not by popular vote) as the first mayor of the city council.[7][8]
He represented the City of Auckland electorate in 1860, until he was defeated (for the Newton electorate).[9] He then represented Auckland East from 1866 to 1870, and Franklin from 1871 to 1874, when he resigned due to failing health.[9]
Clark was also a member of the Auckland Provincial Council, representing the Auckland East electorate in the 5th Council from January 1867 to November 1868.[10]
Clark read widely, an interest that he obtained during his time at university.[1] He was well liked by his friends, and was regarded by all for his integrity and conduct.[11] He was active in St Andrew's Church and was one of the leading members of the congregation.[1] These days, the church is the oldest surviving church building in Auckland, and registered with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust as a Category I heritage building.[12]
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.[11] He was buried three days later at Symonds Street Cemetery.[13][14]
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| First | Mayor of Auckland Borough 1851–1852 |
Office abolished |
| Parliament of New Zealand | ||
| Preceded by Thomas Beckham, William Daldy, Thomas Forsaith |
Member of Parliament for Auckland 1860 Served alongside: William Daldy, Thomas Forsaith |
In abeyance
Title next held by
William Rees, John Shera, Thomas Thompson |
| Preceded by Thomas Russell |
Member of Parliament for Auckland East 1866–1870 |
Succeeded by Julius Vogel |
| Preceded by William Swan, Theodore Haultain |
Member of Parliament for Franklin 1871–1874 Served alongside: William Buckland |
Succeeded by William Buckland, Joseph May |