THE L.V. PORTRAIT GALLERY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VII, Issue 353, 29 April 1897, Page 11

THE L.V. PORTRAIT GALLERY.

Mr William Woodward was born in Hamilton, Waikato, in 1865, and when ten years of age, besides keeping up his school attendance, commenced to learn the trade of baker and confectioner with his father, who was then in business in Queen Street, Auckland. Losing his parents at an early age, he went into the service of Mr D. Grubb, Karangahake Road, Newton, where he remained about five years, completing his education in the business he had chosen. Desiring a change from the dull routine of a baker’s life, he went to the Thames, and for some considerable time was employed coaching between that town and Paeroa. Being a general favourite he made a little money, and started “ tributing ” at the Prince Imperial mine. After about twelve months of this he returned , to his old trade, and went

into the employ of Mr T. Douglas, Thames, with whom he remained some three years. Here he found his fate, in the shape of Mrs. Woodward, and after some good business experience took posssession of the Provincial Hotel, Grahamstown, which he held until the house was closed. Removing to Auckland, he took up the business known as the Glasgow Bakery, Wellington Street, and eventually became the proprietor of the Pacific Hotel, Thames, where he now reigns as a most genial and popular boniface. It will interest many of his old pupils to be reminded that Mr Woodward was for some time an instructor in the Thames Gymnasium, and is at the present day not only a good athlete, but the most popular baritone in the district. His accomplishments are not confined to music and gymnastics, but in racing, boating, and all descriptions of sport he will generally be found on top.