100 YEARS OLD
HAMILTON MAN INTERESTING LIFE RECALLED. Per Press Association Copyright. HAMILTON, October 7. Still fairly sound in health and mentally alert, Phillip Ic Quesne, of Hamilton, is celebrating his 100th birthday to-day. He has been in the town for over 70 years, and is a well-known figure. Born in the island of Jersey, he spoilt his youth there, and was married on Christmas Day, 1859. Early in the year 1860, he left to seek his fortune in New Zealand, sailing out on the ship Avond, . the journey taking 110 days. He conducted a store in Karangaliape road, Auckland, for six years, and in June, 1866, he came to Hamilton. building a store in the then military settlement.
Later, he built the Waikato Hotel with the first bricks made in Waikato, which he made himself. The building is still standing as the garage of the present hotel. He acquired a great deal of land in the vinicnitv of the hotel, and built shops. He conducted the hotel until 1902, when he retired, but until two years ago he conducted all bis own affairs from bis little den. To-day be is able to .read many congratulatory telegrams, cables and letters. He is the oldest continuous customer of the Bank of New Zealand, and the oldest worshipper at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Hamilton, having’ clear recollections of attending services in the redoubt with shingle roofing. A Frenchman, he was renowned in the early days for the wine he used to manufacture from Pukekohe grapes and local blackberries. One of the visitors to-day was Archbishop Averill, who is 71 to-day. Archbishop Averill’s visit is the culmination of a promise made to Mr le Quesne ten years ago, when he stated that no matter where he was, if lie was able, lie would visjt him on the occasion of him attaining his century. The Mayor and prominent members of the community were among the many visitors.
One son. Winter John le Quesne, arrived from Sydney to-day.
Airs le Quesne died in 1900. There were nine children, two sons and two daughters; surviving.
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Bibliographic details
Hokitika Guardian, 7 October 1936, Page 5
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348100 YEARS OLD Hokitika Guardian, 7 October 1936, Page 5
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