DEATH AT 100

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 133, 7 June 1937, Page 6

DEATH AT 100

HAMILTON PIONEER MR. PHILIP Le QUESNE SEVENTY YEARS IN WAIKATO HAMILTON, June 2. Hamilton’s “Grand Old Man,” Mr. Philip Lc Quesne, has died at his home, La Retraite, in his 101st year. Mr. Le Quesne had been well until about a week ago, and celebrated Coronation Day in his usual good health. For 70 years, since he rode on horseback to Hamilton through bush and swamp country, Mr. Le Quesne had been a part of Hamilton, the affection felt toward him by the people being illustrated when he celebrated his 100th birthday on October 7 of last year. On that occasion he received messages from King Edward VIII., the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, Archbishop Averill, members of the Cabinet and Parliament, and representatives of the business and farming interests in Hamilton and the Waikato. Store in Karangahape Road A carpenter by trade, Mr. Le Quesne remained in his birthplace at Jersey until he was 24, when he embarked for New Zealand, having been married in the previous year. He landed at Auckland, and there he worked at his trade under engagement to a fellow countryman. Deciding that his prospects were not bright, Mr. Le Quesne took over from a friend a store in Karangahape Road, and for six years his enterprise was rewarded with a steady flow of business. A report that opportunities in the Waikato were better reached Mr. Le Quesne, and in 1866 he opened a store at Whatawhata, shortly after moving in to Hamilton East. His customers were mostly militia, who comprised the majority of settlers in early Hamilton. After his move to Hamilton East Mr. Le Quesne was appointed Hamilton's first postmaster, and in J 874 he commenced work on the Wr.i- , kato Hotel, which he first leased and later managed himself. Staunch Church Supporter The first Anglican church in Hamilton owed its establishment largely tu Mr. Le Quesne’s zeal. He attended St. Peter’s Cathedral, and was always a staunch supporter of the church and its funds. A distinction held by Mr. Le Quesne was that of being the oldest customer of the Bank of New Zealand in Hamilton. He was a member of the Hamilton Town Board in the early 'seventies. He retired from active business in 1902. Mr. Le Quesne is survived by his two sons, Mr. W. J. Le Quesne, of New South Wales, and Mr. A. Le Quesne, of Auckland, and two daughMrs. C. Quick and Miss H. Le Quesne, of Hamilton. There are six grandchildren and four great-grand-children.