More Info →Leary family

Richard and Joseph Poulter Leary were prominent businessmen in Palmerston North. They were born in Australia. Joseph came to New Zealand in 1863 and was Palmerston North’s first printer and newspaper proprietor, starting 'The Manawatu Times' in 1875 in partnership with J L Kirkbride. When it was sold, Joseph retained the commercial printing side of the business until he eventually sold it to Mr Keeling. He was a Borough Councillor of Palmerston North 1882-1884. Joseph married a Miss Austin of Foxton and they had a daughter Phoebe . He also married a second time to a Mrs Carty of Wellington. Richard was a chemist and optician, who arrived in Palmerston North in 1875. In the photograph Joseph Leary would appear to be the man standing second from the left, next to Phoebe his daughter seated, second from left. It is unknown where the pohotograph was taken.