Peter Robertson

Biography

BiographyFrom the "Leader' obituary and the report on the funeral:-

Mr. Robertson came to New Zealand in 1900, taking up residence in Lower Hutt. In 1911 he commenced business at Upper Hutt as a coach-builder and undertaker, and later in conjunction with the late Mr. Dick operated a carrying business between Upper Hutt and Wellington.

From the time of taking up residence in the district he became very active in public and local body work. During the war years of 1914-18 Mr. Robertson held the position of Chairman of the Town Board, and later when the district was instituted to a Borough was Mayor from 1927 to 1931. He was one of the foundation members of the Upper Hutt Bowling Club, and held practically every office in that club. For 13 years he has represented the district on the Wellington Education Board.

At the time of his death he represented the Borough on the Wellington Water Board, Hutt Valley Power Board, and was the district's representative on the Education Board, and was on the Board of Governors of the Hutt Valley High School.

Mr. Robertson was the President of the local branch of the New Zealand Labour Party, which office he had held since its inception.

In his younger days he was a very keen cricketer, but in latter years could always be seen on the bowling green.

Peter was mayor of Upper Hutt twice, first from 1927-1931, then again in 1938 until his death in 1939. During his last 12 months as Mayor he was instrumental with his sympathetic Council in instituting a municipal housing scheme; the purchase of Maidstone Park was another major scheme which was carried out by him.

He left a widow and two young children of his second marriage, and three sons and two daughters of his first marriage, one daughter being resident in Australia.

The funeral, which took place on May 16, 1939, was one of the largest ever witnessed in the district; the cortege extended over a mile in length. The Municipal Band led the procession from Robertson's home in Rosenberg Street (renamed Wakefield Street during World War II); then the hearse, followed by the Upper Hutt and Silverstream Fire Brigades and representatives of other brigades (he had been the most prominent dignitary when the Silverstream fire station opened on Main Road South after moving from Chatsworth Road).

Following were the deceased's relatives, Government representatives, Councillors, ex-Councillors, members of local bodies, Labour Party members, Borough Council staff, Returned Soldiers' Association, South African Veterans' Association, business people: and other organisations, all of whom marched to St. John's Church, Trentham. The rear of the procession was brought up with cars of which there were over 100. The service was relayed to the crowd outside the church by loudspeakers.

The names listed above were listed in the funeral report; not available are those of the daughter in Australia and the two children of the second marriage. Last edited by: Don McLeod