"OVER THE CENTURY."

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 261, 3 November 1928, Page 12

"OVER THE CENTURY."

OPOTIKI LADY'S BIRTHDAY. MRS. MARTHA REECE. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) OPOTIKI, this day. Mrs. Martha Reece celebrated her 101 st birthday to-day. Born in Shropshire on November 3, 1827, she was married in Worcestershire in 1857, and with her husband she came to New Zealand in the sailing ship Nimrod in 1864. After living in Auckland for some years they came to Opotiki in 1868, and Mrs. Reece has lived here ever since. Her husband died about 30 vears

Mrs. Recce's living descendants are Airs. R. Smith (Onehunga), Mrs. Jane Butler and Mrs. H. J. Webb (Opotiki), daughters, and Messrs. W. and E. Reece, sons. There are also 33 grandchildren, and about 20 great-grandchildren. Except for her eyesight, which is impaired, Mrs. Reece retains all her faculties, and is in fine health. She is very contented and happy, and her memory is remarkably clear. She is able to tell interesting stories of the early days of Opotiki -while the Maori War was in progress. Mrs. Reece has resided with her daughter. Mrs. H. J. Webb, for the last 19 years. She has received manv messages of congratulation, and a lar<r" e number of residents called and extended their good wishes.