MR JOHN LEYDON.

Observer, Volume 7, Issue 230, 7 February 1885, Page 4

MR JOHN LEYDON.

(SEE PAGE 3)

Mr John Leydon, the subject of "our sketch, was born in 1842 in Rosscoininon, Ireland, and left his country when young for Sunderland, England, where he was educated. He subsequently went to sea, and commenced business as a trader in 'Bombay, whic^he continued at Bafcavia and Hong Kong.- In 1863 he came to Australia, and for some time was digging at the goldfields. In 1864: he left Australia for the Hokifcika rush 4 where he resumed business, and built the New Ballarat Hotel, and the Half-way House, in the North, Spit He. afterwards chartered a vessel for Bruce Bay, and started auctioneering, having 1 a free license from Warden Price, whose life he saved when the diggers threatened to shoot him. Mr Leydon soon after returned to Hokitika, and again lifted his hammer as an auctioneer. Married in 1866, shortly afterwards sold out, and left for Charjeston rush with Captain Suiter. In consequence of rough weather landed at Westport, and started the first line of coaches on the West Coast, in 1868. He sold out to Cobb and Co., came to Auckland, and went to the Thames, when he and others started the first crushing machine at ,Puriri, and in twelve months lost everything he had. Nothing' daunted by adverse circumstances be resumed business as an auctioneer, and about two years ago came to Auckland, where he is now established as one of our most popular auctioneers. Mr Leydon,- under a rough, genial manner, carries a good heart, and sound business capacity, and long may he continue to " Knock 'em down."