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- Came to New Zealand on SS Tongariro with parents and family in 1885. Settled in Christchurch. Father died in 1887, having lost a large amount of money which he had entrusted to his brother-in-law and which was embezzled. (See "Barker Bears & Forebears" by Robin Barker, and also, "The Story of Ella Cowe", by Dorothy Gaunt)
Archie went first to the Gisborne area to work on a farm. At age 20 he went as Corporal in the 10th Contingent to the Boer War, on the troopship "Norfolk". Copies of letters he wrote home to his mother are on separate file. Archie eventully farmed at Hikumutu, in the King Country. In the Depression of the 30's, he was forced to walk off his farm, and was later returned to it as Manager. The farm was on Barker Road, subsequently re-named. He served on the Hospital Board and the District Council.
(On Nominal Roll of the 10th Contingent, South Island Regiment, Regimental Staff as:
9106 Orderly-room Corporal Archibald Henry Barker, Retreat Road, Avonside, Christchurch. Mother, Mrs Ella Barker, same Address.
Sailed from Lyttelton 10 April 1902 in the S S Norfolk
His Attestation form of 8 April 1902 says he had been in the Christchurch College Rifles for 7 months; that he was a Clerk; that he was aged 20 years 6 months, was 5 feet 7 1/2 inches tall, had a chest measurement of 38 inches and weighed 10 st 7 lb. His next of kin was his Mother, Ella Barker. It is signed by LIeut Robt J Bremner (witness) and Capt W S Pennycook (Attesting Officer).
On 30 August 1904 he receved the Imperial South African Clasp awarded for service in South Africa, with the rank of Corporal.
Archie married Kate Dorothy Humphrys on 23 April 1913 at "Raumati" the home of his father-in-law, George Herbert Humphrys. His Best men were
Gordon Harper and ACM (Jo) Barker. Dorothy's bridesmaids were her sister Ida Humphrys, and Archie's sister, Georgine (Madam) Barker.
The following was written by his son-in-law, Rowley Hill, farmer and son-in-law, of Manunui:
"Dalgety sold the farm up end of November, all stock & shearing plant, 1933. The farm was not stocked up again until March 1935 it was idle for 18 months. The Hikumutu School was closed in 1934 so Nanny bought a house in town for the 3 children to go to school (Nov 1934), she thought Grandad would get a job in town he had horses, a few killers, dogs left on the farm, he would go out there once a week, then 3 months later in March 1935 the trustees Clifford & Loughnan through Dalgety restocked the farm with 250 bullocks as the farm had been idle for 18 mths made some smaller paddocks & new cattle yards."
According to Auntie Ruth (Grandad's 2nd daughter) he had a a great public service record:-
25 years Councillor on Kaitieke County Council
Inaugural membr of King Country Electrical Power Board - served for a number of years
Assistant Clerk, Manunui Town Council - 1950 - 1958, then Clerk 1958-59
Hikumutu School Committee, including term as chairman
Life Member Hikumutu Community Centre
Life Member Taumarunui Club
Member RSA
Hospital Board for 25 years - Chairman 1930-1936 and 1938 - 1944
(Letter from Ruth Hill to Mary Clark 1991)
Grandad was a good-natured man with a twinkle in his eye and a beanie on his head. According to his daughter, Mary, he used to love singing the Gilbert & Sullivan light opera songs. He was a lifelong cigarette smoker, but did not develop lung cancer. Also had a penchant in later life for Mackintosh's toffees (especially egg & cream!] which he shared with his grandchildren when he came to stay. He drove a funny little pale green Austin and it made my heart lift to see his little car waiting outside Te Aroha College gates and to know he'd come to pick us up. (Usually with a wee supply of Mackintoshes in hand.)
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Barker - Humphrys Family Tree
1882 - 1966 (83 years)
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