BUSINESSMAN'S DEATH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22864, 20 October 1937, Page 18

BUSINESSMAN'S DEATH

MFI. FRANCIS KNEEBONE A well known Auckland businessman and sportsman, Mr. Francis Kneebone, died late last night at hip residence, 16 Mountain Road, Epsom, at the age of 72, following a short illness. Mr. Kneebone, who was actively connected with commercial life in the city for many years, held extensive property interests. Born at Thames in 1865, the son of a Thames pioneer, Mr. Thomas Kneebone, Mr. Kneebone came to Auckland at the age of 15 years, joining the drapery and clothing firm of Samuel C'oombes, Queen Street. In 1891 he opened business in Syinonds Street, later transferring it to Queen Street, and on retiring from tho retail trade ho became a partner and director in the wholesale warehouse business of Mr. R. H. Abbott. Mr. Kneebone retired from tho business in 1908.

Mr. Kneebone was an original shareholder in His Majesty's Arcade Company, Limited, and was chairman of directors for many years. Ho was proprietor of the Hall of Commerce and the Professional Chambers, and held other properties in various parts of Auckland. For a number of years he had owned a 750 acre farm at Orini, Taupiri. His keen interest in snort was mainly centred on the turf, and he was a member of a number of racing and trotting clubs. Mr. Kneebone is survived by his widow, two brothers, Mr. William Kneebone (Mangere) and Mr. Charles Kneebone (Hawera), and one sister, Mrs. E. Munro (Takapuna).