Trust History

Thomas George Macarthy of Wellington, Brewer, died at Wellington on the 19th of August 1912. His last will dated 19 May 1906 appointed the Public Trustee his executor and Probate was granted to the Public Trustee on the 22nd of August 1912. There were no children.

The Trust created by Mr Macarthy's will, as varied by two Acts of Parliament, provides for so much of the income as the Board of Governors sees fit to be distributed among charitable or educational institutions operating in the Wellington provincial district.

Mr Macarthy was born in London in 1833. Attracted by the gold discoveries in Victoria he went to Australia in the 1850's and when gold was discovered in Otago in 1863 he came to New Zealand. Further discoveries in the West Coast saw him in Charlestown where he established a brewery and entered into speculation in mining ventures.

Seeking to expand his business talents Mr Macarthy came to Wellington in 1877 and bought a brewery in Custom House Quay and later acquired a further brewery in Tory Street. This brewery was demolished in 1979 and replaced by a two storey building which is still owned by the Trust.

As well as being a successful business man Mr Macarthy actively participated in public affairs and is recorded to have been a Director of the Bank of New Zealand and President of the Wellington Racing Club. He also held many other offices.

His obituary describes him as being a very quiet, reserved man who never courted publicity. He was however of a kindly nature and ever ready to give unostentatiously in the cause of genuine charity.