Career
The company erected a number of hydraulic cranes on the Wellington wharfs. The company was located on the Te Aro foreshore and built the steamships Matai and Weka. lieutenant also built equipment for the Cape Palliser lighthouse as well as other lighthouses around the country.
From 1885 he was a Trustee of the Wellington Hospital for 50 years including Chairman of its Board for 14 years.
He was Chairman of the Wellington Industrial Association from 1888 to 1889. In 1895 he was elected Mayor of Wellington.
Luke was one of those responsible for establishing the Associated Chambers of Commerce. He was also on the Board of Flock House which provided assistance to widows and dependents of sailors of the British Navy and Merchant Marine who had lost their lives during the war.
He served on numerous committees.
He served one term on the New Zealand Legislative Council (22 January 1907 – 21 January 1914). In 1901 the Royal New Zealand Federation Commission was set up to consider Federation between New Zealand and the Australia states. Luke was appointed as a member and toured Australia to determine if the idea was worthwhile.
After three months investigation and deliberation the Commission dismissed the idea.
He was knighted for public services in 1939. In 1940 he was appointed a Commander of the Venerable Order of the Hospital of Street John of Jerusalem.
Luke died at his daughter"s residence in Kelburn on 19 April 1941, and his ashes were buried in Karori Cemetery.