Background
Andrew Clarke was the son of Colonel Andrew Clarke, of Co. Donegal, Ireland, governor of West Australia. He was born at Southsea, England, on July 27, 1824.
Andrew Clarke was the son of Colonel Andrew Clarke, of Co. Donegal, Ireland, governor of West Australia. He was born at Southsea, England, on July 27, 1824.
Andrew Clarke was educated at King's school, Canterbury.
Andrew Clarke was appointed to his father's staff in West Australia, but was transferred to beD. C. and military secretary to the governor of Tasmania; and in 1847 he went to New Zealand to take part in the Maori War, and for some years served on Sir George Grey's staff. He was then made surveyor-general in Victoria, took a prominent part in framing its new constitution, and held the office of minister of public lands during the first administration (1855- 1857).
He returned to England in 1857, and in 1863 was sent on a special mission to the West Coast of Africa. In 1864 he was appointed director of works for the navy, and held this post for nine years, being responsible for great improvements in the naval arsenals at Chatham, Portsmouth and Plymouth, and for fortifications at Malta, Cork, Bermuda and elsewhere.
In 1873 he was made K. C. M. G. , and became governor of the Straits Settlements, where he did most valuable work in consolidating British rule and ameliorating the condition of the people. From 1875 to 1880 he was minister of public works in India; and on his return to England in 1881, holding then the rank of lieutenant-colonel in the army, he was first appointed commandant at Chatham and then inspector-general of fortifications (1882 - 1886). Having attained the rank of lieutenant- general and been created G. C. M. G. , he retired from official life, and in 1886 and 1893 unsuccessfully stood for parliament as a supporter of Mr Gladstone. During his last years he was agent- general for Victoria.
Andrew Clarke married Mary Margaret MacKillop on 17 September 1867.