UNIQUE EVENT

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 68, Issue 142, 29 March 1948, Page 6

UNIQUE EVENT

THREE CENTENARIANS MEET (P.A.) DUNEDIN, March 28. Probably for the first time in the history of the Avorld three centenarians met the week-end, Avhen Mrs Susan McFarlane (Dunedin) and Mrs O. Nielson (Auckland) travelled by car 30 miles to Waikouaiti to extend birthday greetings to Mrs George Williamson, Avho was 100 years old today. The combined ages of the three women totalled 302 years, and as they sat talking animatedly to one another they made a memorable picture. The meeting Avas all the more remarkable because it took place in Otago’s centennial year. Both Mrs McFarlane and Mrs Nielson are 101 and they greatly enjoyed their drive into the country to meet the province’s youngest centenarian. Mrs Williamson stayed in bed for the visit and took it all Avith characteristic placidness and quiet enjoyment. She has excellent sight and good hearing, but suffers from rheumatism. For her birthday she received a cable message from the King, numerous other messages of congratulations, several birthday cakes and innumerable bunches of flowers. All her family of two sons and five daughters were present for the birthday party, and her 92-year-old husband took a quiet pleasure in the proceedings. Last September Mr and Mrs Williamson celebrated their seventieth Avedding anniversary. She is not too old to enjoy such occasions, and appreciated the significance of the meeting Avith two other centenarians.