OBITUARY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 155, 2 June 1937, Page 2

OBITUARY

MR PHILIP LE QUESNE.

AGED ONE HUNDRED.

Per Press Association. HAMILTON, June 1. Affectionately known as Hamilton’s Grand Old Man, Mr Philip Le Quesne died here last evening, aged 100 years. He was associated with the commercial and social life of the town for over 70 years. Up to several weeks ago he was able to take an active interest in the affairs oi tile day*and attend to his excellent garden. A carpenter by trade, Mr Le Quesne was a native of Jersey, where he lived for 24 years. When lie came to New Zealand he first lived at Auckland and after six years there came to the Wai:ai<> arriving at Agarimwahia on. horseback over rough bridle tracks. He later opened a store ill Hamilton, when most of his customers were members of the Waikato Militia. He then built the Waikato Hotel and was the first man to make wine in the Waikato. Through his zeal, the first Anglican church in Hamilton was erected. After being a year here lie accompanied Archdeacon Pritt on a canvass of the district, but only twelve worshippers weie secured and for years the services were neld in h. shingle whare. now the site of the present cathedral. Mr Le Quesne retired from active business life in 1892. He is survived by two sons, Mr Winter John l.e Quesne (New South Wales) and Mr Alfred Le Quesne (Auckland), and two daughters, Mrs C. Quick and Miss HLe Quesne (Hamilton), There are six grandchildren and lour, great-grand-children.