FIRM WITH A HISTORY

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 798, 19 October 1929, Page 10

FIRM WITH A HISTORY

HOW TWIN BROTHERS WORKED UP BIG BUSINESS TINGEY AND CO., LTD. In October. 1869, twin brothers commenced business in Wanganui as painters and decorators, depositing £IOO, which comprised their worldly wealth, in the Bank of New Zealand. The twijis were Richard and Edward Tingey, and there they laid the foundation of the big business concern which exists today. They were born in London and came out with their parents about 1564. They took up farming in North Auckland, and the original homestead still goes by the appellation of Tingey’s Farm. Then the Maori War broke out and Mr. Richard Tingey went lo Wanganui to join up with the volunteers and took part in numerous engagements.

In 1869 he commenced business and was shortly afterward joined by his brother. The concern flourished and tho Wellington branch was opened up 40 years ago. Then followed the establishment of the Christchurch branch seven years ago, and later those at Auckland and New Plymouth. Mr. Edward Tingey, it will be recalled, met with a fatal motor accident in 1916 at Wanganui, and Mr. Richard Tingey maintained his active interest in the business until his death in 1927.

Although tho firm is a public company, it is privately owned, the whole of the interest being held by nine members of the two families—five sons of Mr. Richard Tingey, Messrs. R. L., R. 8., W. IT., S. S., and L. H. Tingey; and four sons of Mr. Edward Tingey, Messrs. P. E., E. V., N. E., and J. S. Tingey, all of whom are engaged in an executive capacity. Mr. P. E. Tingey is managing director, and the other directors are Messrs. R. 8., J. fc>., S. S. and L. If. Tingey.