Yendells store carved a niche in Hamilton

their own furniture. In 1969 the business was sold, unfortunately to a competitor who closed it down.

Maurice had a distinguished military service during WWII – he served as LieutCol. in 3rd Division, 2nd NZEF; he was a Hamilton City Councillor from 1953 to 1962. Jim was High Commissioner in Canberra in the early 1970s, helped establish Mystery Creek Fieldays and retired to Tauranga in 1988. Walter became a farmer up north; Joseph a baker in Kaitaia and later a company executive. Percy worked for Yendells until retiring in the late 1960s. One son, Leonard, died young. He was milking cows on a dairy farm at Kaipaki on Boxing Day, 1938, when he collapsed and died, aged only 32 years. He was buried in Hamilton East Cemetery, as was Mary after her death in 1955, aged 78 years.

Mary Yendell’s legacy to Hamilton lies in her bringing her sons to the area, three of whom established one of the largest local manufacturing and retail furnishings businesses of the 1950s and 60s. The 1953 article saw Mary Yendell’s arrival and success in this country as inspiration and support for the new wave of immigrants at that time.