Chronicle-1957

times boys, were Invited on Sundays to the neighbouring and very lovely homes, where they were treated with the old-world dignity and courtesy which has almost disappeared from the modern age. Lunch on Sundays, bridge parties, tennis—these memories persist. Sir Liege's family were also long-aged, but the inexorable hand of Time hascalled them away, and now only Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hulett remain of Sir Liege's own children. We remember them all with affection. The next generation provided much of the school's first personnel. They too are now middle-aged, and their sons have been to Kearsney or are with us still. Four full generations have passed. So the School has always had its strong link with our Founder, whose photograph graces the wall of our dining hall. He gave us our name and many friends. Now his family have celebrated the centenary of his arrival, and we understand that about 130 members assembled for the occasion at Compensation. It must have been a historic reunion. The spirits of the past must have pervaded the groups as they intermingled. We pay tribute to a great family. For the following information about the life of Sir James Liege Hulett we are indebted to Mrs. Willie Hulett, of Compen sation, who has produced a long-needed booklet telling of the life and career of our Founder. 1838 James Liege Hulett born, in Sheffield. 1857 Sailed to South Africa. Employed by a Durban chemist. 1858 Bought land near Veruiam. 1859 His father and mother came out to join him. 186! Married Mary Balcomb. 1862 Bought land north of the Umvoti River, which he named Kearsney, after Kearsney Abbey, near Sheffield. 1880 First tea planted. 1880 Made Justice of the Peace, and was Acting Magistrate of Stanger. 1883 Elected to Legislative Council. 1884 First tea crop, 200 acres. 1887 Was instrumental in having Zuiuland amalgamated with Natal. 1889 First tea factory built. 1891 Began to plant sugar cane. 1892 Firm of"J. L. Hulett and Co." formed, with capital of £50,000. 1899 Raised capital from England to have North Coast railway line extended to Stanger, and later to Somkeie. 1901 Narrow gauge line from Stanger to Kearsney opened. 1902 Was a member of the party to represent Natal at the Coronation of King Edward VII. Was knighted. 1904 Built Manor House, Durban. 1906 Darnail sugar mill built. 1908 Amatikulu sugar mill built. 1909 Feiixton sugar mill built. 1910 Represented South Africa at the Coronation of King George V. Golden Wedding. 212

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