Biography

Walter was born at Kensington, London, on 9th March 1841 the ninth child of Henry Perrin and Elizabeth, formerly Pearce. Walter emigrated to Australia about 1860 and eventually settled in Launceston.

He had been trained in the drapery trade in England and in 1871 he formed a partnership with James Pepper" and founded the firm of Pepper & Perrin. This was dissolved in 1902 but Walter Perrin remained in the business in Brisbane Street.

On 14th May 1868 he married Kate, daughter of F. J. Wilson of BoPeep', Cressy. They had nine children, four sons who all at some time maintained the drapery firm, and of the five daughters, only one married.

For many years Walter was one of the leading members of St. John's Church. He took an active interest in the extension of the church and was a member of the Extension Fund Committee formed in 1892. He was a churchwarden for over twenty years, a member of the Diocesan Council and Synod, and a layreader. He was also local treasurer for the British & Foreign Bible Society.

He was an active member of the Board of the Launceston General Hospital, the Chamber of Commerce and the Tourist Association. He also held directorships with the Tasmanian Permanent Executors & Trustees Association, the Launceston Gas Co. and the Derwent & Tamar Assurance Co. He was also a founder of the Union Jack Gymnasium Club and was responsible for the extension of St. John's Church Hall where the club met. He also wrote several articles on the History of Launceston for the Launceston Examiner newspaper and presented lectures at the Mechanics Institute.

Walter died on 8th April 1915 having lived 74 years, and Kate died on 3rd April 1924 aged 76. Although they had four sons, their only grandson was killed in action on 2nd December 1942. He was not married and the name Perrin has passed from Launceston.

In their generosity the Perrins gave to St. John's Church 'The Great Rose Window' above the Westminster Gallery.

In memory of Walter, his family gave a marble plaque surrounded by carved native flora. The plaque is in the chapel at St. John's and is inscribed:

WALTER PERRIN

BORN 9TH MARCH, 1841

DIED 8TH APRIL, 1915

OVER 20 YEARS WARDEN OF ST. JOHN'S CHURCH

FOREMOST IN THE WORTHY WORK OF REBUILDING THIS CHURCH,

HAS LEFT IT TO OTHERS WORTHILY TO COMPLETE

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