Umtali Garage was located in Umtali. The premises were divided into two sections, the workshop in Victoria Avenue, and the showrooms in Main Street. The business was the local agent for Morris, Chevrolet, and dodge cars and trucks.
The garage services were run by Major Francis Reginald Lark (1881-1948). Lark was born in Australia in 1881. In 1902 he joined the Cape Mounted Rifles, and afterwards when he came to Rhodesia, joined the B.S.A. Police. In 1920 Major Ingham took command in Umtali district and Lark assisted him as Lieutenant. In 1921 he became District Commander of Melsetter District and was promoted to Captain, and finally before retirement became a Major.
After retirement in 1921 he started the first taxi service in Umtali with Oswald Trevor Baker and delivered the mail to Penhalonga.
References
- memoriesofmanicaland.blogspot.com
- Rhodesia and Eastern Africa: Historical and Descriptive Commercial and Industrial Facts, Figures, & Resources (1931)
