AUCKLANDER 83 YEARS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 732, 3 August 1929, Page 6

AUCKLANDER 83 YEARS

MR. PETER ROBERTSON DEAD BORN IN QUEEN STREET Born when Auckland was struggling for a beginning, 83 years ago. Mr. Peter Robertson, of Avondale, died on Thursday evening. His birthplace was in Queen Street, opposite Wyndliam Street. His father was another Peter Robertson, who arrived at Auckland soon after the establishment of the settlement in IS4O. Mr. Robertson married a Miss Somervell, who arrived in IS 12 by the Duchess of Argyle, and he established one of the first bakeries. In the great fire in High Street in ISSS. the Robertson home was partly pulled down to prevent the fire from reaching buildings in Queen Street. The bakehouse used by Mr. Robertson has just been dismantled in making room for the erection of new buildings in Vulcan Dane and High Street. Situated in the Robertson holdings was one of Auckland’s main supplies of water. Mr. Robertson had a full knowledge of events in Auckland’s history. He was educated at Mr. Gorrie’s school in Victoria Quadrant, and then was employed in Close Brothers’ grocery store at the intersection of Wellesley Street West and Queen Street, on the eastern corner of the Civic Square. Dater he bought a corn and produce business, and, with a brother, founded the wholesale firm of Robertson Bros. Mr. James Robertson still conducts it. Mr. Peter Robertson retired over 25 years ago, and since then lived at Avondale on a property with an excellent view of the Waitemata. Regatta committees appreciated the use of Mr. Robertson’s property in holding events on a stretch of the Whau River. For a time, Mr. Robertson was a member of the Avondale Road Board. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, and was also a founder of St. David's Presbyterian Church on a Symonds Street property. Mr. Robertson is survived by his wife, four sons, and four daughters. The sons are Mr. Gordon Robertson, Remuera: Sir. Benjamin Robertson, Pukekohe; Mr. James Robertson, Avondale; and Mr. Norman Robertson, London, England. Mrs. Wylie, Papatoetoe; Mrs. Page. Mount Albert; Mrs. Hosking, Pukekohe; and Dr. Susy Buckingham, Sydney, are the daughters. Three sons served in the w-ar, and two daughters were nurses. There are 14 grandchildren. Two brothers and two sisters also survive Mr. Robertson.