Thomas Alfred Kerslake 1916 - 1996

Thomas Alfred Kerslake was born at Palmerston North on June 14 1916. His mother was born in Tenmouth, England and his father, Herbert George Kerslake was born in Palamerston North. When Thomas was one year old his family moved to Levin.. "mainly beacause the family was a small town family." He was educated at the original Levin Primary School and then at Levin District High School. Thomas enjoyed all school life, but especially high school where he was hooked on sports and becam ethe school diving champion.

Boys in their boat, Tom & George Kerslake. Circa; 1925-26 ? (Donated by Tom Kerslake) "Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

At the age of twelve Thomas gained his proficiency exam which was the test to gain entry into high school. At sixteen he successfully matriculated having reached a level equivalent to University Entrance of today’s Sixth Form Certificate.

n 1933 the young Thomas left school and began work as a linotype operator at the Chronicle office. Mr Kerslake believed he was… ‘rather lucky that my father and Mr Billens owned the Chronicle because jobs were very hard to find then.’ He recalled being paid 12 shillings and sixpence and thought this was not much to get by on…‘We’ll just!’.

The same year he started his job, his father died and while Thomas still hoped to ultimately gain work as a farmer, the family solicitor advised against it.

During the days of World War Two Thomas saw army service in Fielding and Buckle Street in Wellington. He returned to Levin after the was war and resumed his former position as a linotype operator of the Chronicle. From here he worked his way up to Factory Manager and finally on to Manager of the Chronicle office. Thomas Kerslake has no regrets about his time there.

Mr Kerslake met his wife on a skiing expedition…on August 8, 1942 they married.

The couple had three children all of whom have made successful careers for themselves. Mr Kerslake believes he had little influence on his children’s careers’ with, the exception of one son who has followed his father into the Chronicle business and is currently working as a Classified Compositor.

Mr Kerslake thought that Levin has grown immensely. There are many new factories and industrial growth is…’exactly what needed to happen to Levin.When asked about today’s teenagers, Mr Kerslake felt that they have so much to do. He was astounded to hear teenagers saying they are bored.

Mr Kerslake resided in Levin with his wife and enjoyed his grandchildren. He said, ‘They can hardly believe it when I tell them about life when I Was young and how much fun it was.’

Note: Mr Kerslake died on 5^th February 1996 subsequent to the interview taking place.