Lile, Addie

Addie Bernard Lile was born in Inglewood on 12 July 1914, the eldest son of baker Adam Lile (1885-1954) and Ida Alberta Lile (nee Fleet) (1887-1952).

Addie was educated at Inglewood School, New Plymouth Boys’ High School and St Patrick’s College in Wellington. He remained in the capital for a time, joining the local Fire Brigade whilst doing odd jobs for a living, before returning to New Plymouth to work at the State Hotel. Located on the corner of Devon and Gover Streets, this establishment had been operated by his parents since 1926 when it was called the Red House Hotel.

Addie became a volunteer member of the New Plymouth Fire Brigade, a fact which led the local fire controller to appear before the Armed Forces Appeal Board on 9 December 1942 to request that Addie not be required for military service as he was needed on the brigade. The appeal was dismissed and Addie, who had thus far been allowed to remain a reservist, was called up on 7 July 1943. He served in New Caledonia as a Private in the Infantry Brigade of the Second NZEF and was later awarded the War Medal 1939-1945 and the New Zealand Service War Medal.

Addie’s younger brother Pat Norman Lile (1918-2004) also fought in the Second World War. He too was working at the State Hotel when he enlisted early in September 1939, one of the first men in Taranaki to do so, and served with the 27th Machine Gun Battalion. Pat was captured in Greece in April 1941 and spent four years in German prisoner of war camps before finally returning home in October 1945.

Addie took over the State Hotel when his father died, and the premises remained a meeting place for the Star Rugby Football Club as well as other local sports teams. Brother Pat then became hotel manager when Addie retired in 1961 to farm at Huirangi. Addie remained a volunteer firefighter as well as a keen bowler and gardener.

Addie married Joan Franklyn (1915-1999) on 11 January 1938 at Sacred Heart Church in Inglewood and the couple had ten children: Kay, Pat, Gail, Bernie, Graeme, Joan, Betty, Amelia, Edward and Luke.

Addie Lile died on 29 March 1985 aged 70 and is buried at Te Hēnui Cemetery in New Plymouth.

Related Documents

Well known in hotel industry (Taranaki Herald 2 April 1985)