INTERESTING CAREER ENDED

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 29, 27 April 1927, Page 12

INTERESTING CAREER ENDED

DEATH OF MR. THOMAS KIRKUP The death of Mr. Thomas Kirkup, at the age of 72 years, in Newcastle, England, removes from Auckland an interesting personality. Mr. Kirkup was born in Neweastlc-on-Tyne in 1855. He started life as a pit boy when he was only six years old, but he ran away and became an errand boy in a large grocery store, later becoming head of an important department. His health failed, and the doctor advised him to come to New Zealand. He came to Auckland, and was seized with the desire to see New Zealand. With that idea he bought a covered waggon, and travelled up and down the North Island as a traveller, carrying his wares with him. He is well remembered by numerous farmers and their wives for his genial disposition, and his willingness to help all. He returned to Auckland in 1886, became secretary to the Carters’ Union, and held that office at the time of the great carters' strike of 1890. In 1892 he entered into partnership with a Mr. Kennedy in an aerated water business. Later, in 1895, he left that and started a manufacturing business with Mr. Kenderdine, from which he retired in 1921. At the time of his death he was on a holiday to England accompanied by his daughter, Miss V. Kirkup. Mr. Kirkup was married on June 14, 1897, but was predeceased by his wife eight years ago. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. C. Belton, of Herne Bay, and Miss Kirkup, and two sons, Mr. Thomas James Kirkup and Mr. Ronald Kirkup, of Auckland.