FIRST START IN LIFE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3580, 28 December 1926, Page 2

FIRST START IN LIFE.

Dl'E TO A MAORI. SUCCESS OF FORMER RESIDENT OF BULLS. How- a stable boy, employed by a .Maori who at one time lived at Balls, rose to be a financial magnate in (lie Old Country, was revealed during the period of the war. A member of the Pioneers, then in camp in 1 lie Old Countdy, was inquired tor by a well-dressed gentleman who visited tin* place in the hope of seeing him. He was described as wearing a bell-topper and spats, and bore every .semblance of having done well for himseli. lit' left his card which eventually came into the possession of the Maori it was intended for. M hen visiting London, the holder of the card took the opportunity of looking up the address on the card, which bore a familiar name. A large stall' was employed in the concern, and, on asking for the principal, the Pioneer was courteously admitted to the august presence. Setting up his sign that he was “engaged for a long time,” the magnate told his visitor to make himself' comfortable, calling for refreshment in the meantime. Then followed an interesting account of the many strange things which had transpired since they had last seen each other in little Bulls. Leaving the employ of Wilson Hunia, who was, during his lifetime a man of great prominence in Maori matters, the stable boy next landed in India, where lie entered the employ of an Indian of high standing as a stable hand. This period spent in strange surroundings soon caused his circumstances to pall upon him. Delighted beyond measure, the opportunity came to journey with his Indian employer to the Old Country, and it was not long before he cut adrift from the entourage. With about £IOO in his pocket, he next had to think out a means of obtaining employment, for his education had been sadly neglected in his youth. Meeting an American, who had also just landed in London, they discussed their immediate prospects individually and as a possibility collectively. They decided to set up in a money-lending business with, the assistance of a solicitor who was practising-in a small way. The venture proved very successful, although there were times when they nearly lost their all through being too trusting. The business grew to greater things, and is now one of the important financial institutions in the city. Notwithstanding his success in life, the financier was pleased to remember that his first start in life had been given him by a Maori.