Mr L. K. Laugesen

Press, 12 February 1986, Page 9

Mr L. K. Laugesen

Mr Louis Keith Laugesen, one of the cofounders of the Christ-church-based transport company, Midland Coachlines, Ltd, died recently. He was 80.

Mr Laugesen was born in Cheviot and was educated at Christchurch Technical College. After spending nine years farming and sawmilling on the West Coast in the 19205, he went into partnership with his father to buy the Meth-ven-Christchurch bus service in 1929. After his initial investment of £9OO, the business eventually expanded into the present Midland Company with interests in long-distance passenger services, tour promotions, rental cars, and coachbuilding. Mr Laugesen was noted for his alertness in changing patterns of travel. His driver experience during the early days of the business gave him a valuable insight into problems experienced by his staff and the travelling public.

Mr Laugesen was a former president of the New Zealand Bus and Coach Association and the Christchurch Businessmen’s Club. He was also a long-time member of the Christchurch Rotary Club. In Christchurch he served for four years on

the then Tramways Board where he was an advocate for the changeover to buses. In recent years he was involved in the setting up of the Keith Laugesen Trust, a charitable organisation, and was also involved in the Waiora Trust.