CENTURY OF LIFE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19139, 7 October 1936, Page 4

CENTURY OF LIFE

HAMILTON PIONEER ■MR, PHILIP LE QUESNE 77 YEARS IN DOMINION (Per Press Association.) HAMILTON, this day. Widespread interest attaches to the fact that to-day is the birthday of .Air. Philip Le Quesne, of Hamilton. Mr. 1.0 Quesne, though he carries no honours other than those accorded him by his fellow-citizens for his upright character and keen interest in community affairs, is unique in that to-day he achieved a century of life.

Bom on October 7, 1836, in the Island of Jersey, Air. Le Quesne came to New Zealand in the ship Avon, commanded by Captain Richardson, in 1860, having been married only a few days before sailing on the Jong voyage to Britain’s newest colony of those days. It was his intention to prospect the future of the country before bringing out his bride, and his capacity as a journeyman carpenter assured' him of employment in any part of the new possession.

The voyage took 110 days, and the Avon dropped anchor at Auckland early in April, 1860. The young man of 23 years became an employee of Mr. John Conway, a Imilder, immediately after coming ashore, and continued m that employment for a few months before deciding to open a small store at the corner of Karangahape road and' East street, Auckland. His capital at that time was £3O, and in two years he had progressed sufficiently to warrant, in his opinion, sending for his wife to come and settle in the colony.

FIRST STORE IN HAMILTON

It was not long afterwards that he began to prospect further south, and hearing from a friend that there were good openings ill the Waikato, where settlement was just beginning seriously 1 , he proceeded to Hamilton, and there established the first store in the town. His purchase of a site cost him a sum equal to the capital of which he had commenced business in Auckland, but his resources were much greater in 1866 when he opened his Hamilton business, and he made solid progress despite the occasional setbacks inseparable from the pioneering generation’s history.

Some time later he removed his store across the street, and on the old' site built the first Waikato hotel, which was placed under a manager, and later under Air. Le Quesne’s own supervision. Many of the bricks for the hotel he made with his own hands. The first storekeeper in Hamilton East, at a time when the old access between the eastern and western portions of the town was by way of a punt ferry over the Waikato River, he was also the first postmaster of the township, and as one of the substantial citizens of the locality hei had much to do with the history of Hamilton through its first half-century.

In 1902, Mr. Le Quesne retired' from business, and since that time has lived a quiet life in his home, “The Retreat.” He has always been an ardent member of St. Peter’s .Anglican Church, Hamilton, and by bis generosity has aided the church greatly in its development. He had been a widower for the past 36' years, Airs. Le Quesne having died in 19C0. He has two sons and two daughters, Mr. Alfred Le Quesne, Ponsotiby, Auckland, and Air. Winter John Le Quesne, of New South Wales, Mrs. Quick, and Miss. Helena Le Quesne, of Hamilton East. There are several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

To-day, he was able to read many congratulatory telegrams, cablegrams, 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 a 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 his visitors to-day was Archbishop Averill, who is 71 to-day. Archbishop Averill’s visit was the culmination of a promise made to Mr. Le- Quesne 10 years ago, when he stated that no matter where he was, if he was able, lie would visit him on the occasion of attaining his century.

The Mayor and prominent members of the community were, among many visitors.