Jane P. Driscoll

She was the wife of C. C. Driscoll, a Hairdresser in Woodville from 1886 – 1892. He died 9 October 1892 age 44 years and on 22 November 1892 his business was disposed of to Mr E. L. Ingpen, senior, whose daughter-in-law, Eliza Ingpen,  also signed the petition in Woodville. 

As a widow Jane had to find some way to survive and so opened a business on the 3 December 1892 in Vogel St with stocks of Ladies’ and childrens’ clothing and fancy goods also general drapery. She moved to the shop previously owned by Mr Stacpoole on the 8 September 1893 (his wife, Emily Stacpoole, also signed the petition at Woodville). 

By the 18 September 1894, there is an advertisement telling us that the assigned estate of Mrs Driscoll’s is up for sale and 16 October a clearing sale held. The 23 October 1895 Woodville Examiner advertised she was back in business again (novelty depot next to the Alexandra Hall) selling tobacconist and fancy goods, until December 1896. Also in 1896 her daughter Ada was Dux at Woodville School. 

The Woodville Examiner of 3 August 1898 tells us she was conducting a registry office for servants at her residence in Grey Street. On 23 April 1900 she was appointed Librarian, a post she held until April 1901. 

In 1906 her daughter Ada married H Robson. In June 1909 daughter Ada (25) died in a house fire at Porangahau,  her huband was a school teacher, one son survived. 

Mrs Driscoll of Havelock North and daughter [Eleanor] who is postmistress at Havelock North at that time travelled immediately to Porangahau.  Mrs Jane P Driscoll died in Auckland.