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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Mr. Renke Friedreich Luks

Mr. Renke Friedreich Luks was born on the 14th of December, 1829, at Mworburg, Westerstede, Grand Duchy of Oldenberg, Prussia, where he spent the earlier portion of his life. In 1860, he sailed from London for Melbourne in a German vessel. Upon his arrival in Victoria he went to Ballarat and followed the varied fortunes of a miner there and elsewhere. He arrived at Dunedin in 1864, and opened a store on the newly discovered goldfield at Macrae's Flat, Otago. In 1866 he sold out his interest in the business to his brother, and took possession of the White House, afterwards known as the White Horse Hotel, at Hokitika, formerly owned by his brother. Mr. Luks afterwards went to the Thames goldfield, where he built the Court House Hotel. On the revival of the mining industry at Coromandel, in 1870, Mr. Luks cast in his lot in that district, and engaged in prospecting in company with “Bismarck Charley,” who presented him with his interest in the subsequently famous “Bismarck” claim. Mr. Luks thoroughly prospected and worked this claim at great cost and labour, and obtained a large amount of gold. At the same time Mrs Luks opened a store on the Tokatea Range, and subsequently added a hostelry known as the Bismarck Inn, which was the first licensed house in the district. Mr. Luks was instrumental in opening a telephone bureau as well as assisting to get the Coromandel County Council to construct a good graded track to the top of the Tokatea Range. He afterwards settled in Auckland, and in 1883 he became the proprietor of the Victoria Hotel in Victoria Street west, where he remained until within six weeks of his death, which occurred in July, 1833. Mr. Luks was instrumental in persuading the New Zealand Railway Department to plant all the railway reserves with trees and shrubs, on the German plan. At the time of his death Mr. Luks represented North Ward in the Auckland City Council. He was also a member of Lodge Ara, 348, I.C., one of the oldest and wealthiest Masonic Craft Lodges in New Zealand.

Hanna, photo.The Late Mr. R. F. Luks.

Hanna, photo.The Late Mr. R. F. Luks.