LONG LIFE ENDED

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 116, 2 June 1937, Page 5

LONG LIFE ENDED

-Presa Association.)

Hamilton Centenarian

(Bj Telegraph-

HAMILTON, Last Night. Ajfectionately known as "Hamilton's grand old man," Mr. Philip Le Quesne died here last evening, aged 100 years. He was associated with the commercial and social life of the town for over 70 years, and np to several weeks ago he was able tovtake an active interest in the alfairs of the day and attend to his excellent garden. A carpenter by trade, Mr. Le Quesne was a native of Jersey, where he lived for 24 years. He first lived in Auckland, and after six years there came to the Waikato, arriving at Ngarauwahia on horseback over rough bridle tracks. He later opened a store in Hamiltop when most of his custoiners were members of the Waikato Militia. ' Dqceased then built the Waikato Hotel, and was the first man to make wine in the Waikato, Through his zeal, the first Anglican Church in Hamilton was erected. After being a year here he accompanied Archdeacon Pritt in a canvass of the district, but only l2.worshippers were secured and for years the services were held in a shingle whare, now the site of the present cathedral. He.retired from active business life in 1902. Mr. Le Quesne is survived by two sons, Messrs. Walter and John Le Quesne, New Soutli Wales, Mr. Alfred Le Quesne, Auckland, and two daughters, Mrs. O. Quick and Miss H. Le Quesne, Hamilton. There are six grandchildren, and four great-grand-children.