"It is with deep regret that we have to record the death of Trooper D. Clarke, of the New Zealand Rough Riders. We mentioned on Saturday the anxiety which was felt as to his welfare, and the hopes that there might be some mistake as to the identity of the Trooper referred to in the cable message reporting the death of Private D. Clarke, at Klerksdorp. The following telegram received on Saturday afternoon by Mrs Clarke from the Hon. J. G. Ward set all doubts at rest -. “I deeply regret to inform you that I have received a cable from Sir Alfred Milner that 1617 Clarke, N. Z., Rough Riders, was killed at Klerksdorp on the 14th January. I can only express my sincere sympathy with the relatives of the fallen soldier, who has died for his country.—J. G. Ward.” We join with Mr Ward in tendering our sincere sympathy to Mrs Clarke, as we are well assured all the residents in this district will do. The deceased was young, active, intelligent, and of amiable disposition, and he had a promising career just opening before him. His friends and relatives may find some little consolation in the fact that he died for his country. When the news reached Temuka the bells of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church rang out the funeral knell, and on Sunday last "The Dead March" was played at the morning service. The flag on the Volunteer Hall was flying half-mast on Sunday." [Temuka Leader, Issue 3692, 22 January 1901, Page 3]