VETERAN SHAREBROKER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21509, 5 June 1933, Page 12

VETERAN SHAREBROKER

DEATH OF MR. F. HULL "FATHER" OF THE EXCHANGE 73 YEARS IN THE DOMINION The death occurred in a private hospital on Saturday of Mr. Francis Hull, a veteran sharebroker, who was known as the "father" of the Auckland Stock Exchange. Mr. Hull was borne 84 vears ago in Belfast, and ho had been in New Zealand for 73 years. His father, Mr. Francis H. Hull, was a son of Major Hull, of the 62nd Regiment, and a grand-uncle, Major Trevor Hull, was in General Wolfe's forces at the capture of Quebec. On November 25, 1859, Mr. Hull left Liverpool with his parents in the ship Bluejacket, which arrived at Auckland on St. Patrick's Day, 1860. At that time, the 40-acre system of development was in practice, tho Hull family taking up a section at Pukekaroro, near the Kaiwaka bush. Transport in tho district was by means of bullock teams. During the period of hostilities with the Maoris, Maketu natives who were digging for kauri gum in the district were inclined to be assertive, and effort was required on the part of the white settlers to avoid friction. The Hull family was not disturbed owing to the intervention of some friendly Kaipara chieftains.

The family first lived in a whare, and the principal cooking utensil was an iron pot on three legs. Great difficulties were experienced in the pioneering days, and, after some 10 years, the farm was sold for much less than the money spent on its improvement. The family lived for some time in Auckland in a cottage at Freeman's Bay, which, in those early days, had a sandy beach.

Mr. Hull became interested in stock dealing, and, at the age of 25, he conducted auctions at a number of northern settlements, including Waipu and Warkworth. He gained further business experience in the office of the old Provincial Council, and, about 1878, he commenced business in Auckland as a kauri gum merchant and exporter on one of the first allotments reclaimed by the Harbour Board. Joined by his eldest brother, Mr. Hull extended the firm's activities to general merchandise, new premises being erected in Queen Street. The property was bought from Mr. Joseph Newman for £2ISU. Mr. Hull eventually severed his association with the firm, and commenced as a sharebroker. He became closely identified with the Auckland Stock Exchange from about 1884, and, at various times, he occupied the positions of chairman and vice-chairman. On the occasion of his 80th birthday, he was accorded the distinction of taking the noon call on the Exchange, and he handled the business with a clarity and despatch remarkable in a man of his years. Mr. Hull was senior partner in the firm of Hull and Gillies.

In addition to his business interests, Mr. Hull was concerned with politics, and he was the first secretary of the old National Party. In later years, he unsuccessfully contested the Manukau seat in the interests of the Reform Party. In his earlier years, he was an enthusiast in athletics, especially tennis. Later, he devoted attention to golf and was an active player when over 80. Mrs. Hull died some years ago. Mr. Hull leaves two children, Mr. Victor Hull and Miss Cecil Hull.