PROMINENT IN BUSINESS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 255, 18 January 1928, Page 12

PROMINENT IN BUSINESS

Mr. Francis Hull, veteran sharebroker and member of the Auckland Stock Exchange, has been actively connected with the commercial life of Auckland for over half a century.

A native of Ulster, he came to this country with his varents when a lad just entering his J teens . Ten years were spent in the north helping to carve a home out of the Kaiwaka bush. It teas there that Mr. Hull inaugurated and wielded the hammer at the first monthly stock sales at Waiou, Hakaru, Wells ford, etc.

His prst real insight into the world of bigger business was gained in the office of the old Provincial Council. The stirring times of the big finds at the Thames also found him established in an office in that district. About 1878 Mr. Hull commenced business in Auckland as a kauri gum merchant and exporter on one of the first allotments reclaimed by the Harbour Board. The business grew and general merchandise was added to the firm’s activities when new premises were erected on the site now occupied by the National Insurance Coy. in Queen Street. About 1882 Mr. Hull severed his connection with the firm and commenced business as a stock and sharebroker. Since then he has been a regular attendant at the Auckland call room and, at various periods, has occupied the position of chairman and vice-chairman. In addition to his business activities Mr. Hull has been actively interested in politics and was the first secretary of the old National Party which ultimately changed its name to Reform. It was in the Reform interests that he unsuccessfully contested the Manukau seat. In his earlier days Mr. Hull took a keen interest in tennis and all forms « of athletics and is still an enthusiastic golfer.