PAINFUL SENSATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2041, 14 October 1919, Page 3

PAINFUL SENSATION.

PROMINENT OAMARU CITIZEN ' DISAPPEARS.

Oamaru, Oct, 13

The receipt of letters by several local residents yesterday afternoon, written by A. G*. Clarke, secretary of the Oamaru Repatriation Committee,- effused a painful sensation. The purpose of the' letters was to advise the recipients that Clarke had put all his affairs in order, as, he,was “about; to depart from this •wonderful world-of love and hope,” owing to his great trouble.

The police Averc communicated with, and a wide search instituted, Avith the result that Clarke’s hat and Avalking stick Avcre found on the steps close to the water’s edge at the end of the Avharf, just at the entrance to the harbour. Clarke, avlio Avas working in his office until two o’clock ym Saturday morning, arranged his business and private affairs in a most methodical fashion, left complete instructions as to the disposal of his possessions, and also made his report to date to the chairman of the Repatriation Committee. Clarke, avlio avus last seen on Saturday afternoon at lavo o’clock, informed the recipients of his letters that family reasons alone prompted him to end his life, and although a thorough search is being carried out, no trace of Clarke or.his body can he found. Clarke'enlisted in'Auckland iu the Main Body, hut as he avus a competent hank official, he Avas kept back, Avith the rank of sergeant-major, to do clerical 'work. Clarke eventually sacrificed his' stripes to go away with the Third Reinforcements. He took part in the Gallipoli campaign, find was badly Avoundod, bis ‘leg being severely shattered. He silent long months in hospital in England and New Zealand, and suffered much from his leg. Only a I‘cav mouths ago he had fu undergo hospital treatment. Clarke, avlio belongs to Auckland, Avas appointed secretary of I be Oumaru Repatriation Committee on the inauguration of the scheme, and has proved a conscientious, callable and popular officer. The nfiAvs of his intention to lake his life came as a painful shock to the whole commu : nity. Prior to appointment in the Repatriation Department, Clarke Avas secretary of the Oamaru Returned Soldiers’ Association, and only the other day he won the junior championship of the North Otago Golf Club.