TWO PIONEERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 172, 23 July 1929, Page 3

TWO PIONEERS.

MR. AND MRS. H. JONES.

Mrs. H. Jones, of "Te Marae," Forbes Street, Onehunga, celebrated the 81st anniversary of her birth at a family reunion held on July 20. She came to Auckland 53 years ago with her husband, Mr. H. Jones, who was a noncommissioned officer in the 2nd Life Guards. The voyage out by the barque Bebbington was a terrible one, as it lasted 160 days, and 23 of the passengers died of typhoid fever. Mr. and Mrs. Jones settled on 20 acres of bush land at Birkenhead 45 years ago. It was then called Stokes Point, and there were no ferry steamers at that time. They underwent the hardships that had to be faced by pioneer settlers, but came through successfully. Sixteen years ago they retired, and went to live on the volcanic soil at Onehunga near the tram line. Mrs. Jones underwent a very severe internal operation four years ago. With increasing years she has more recently been confined to her bedroom, but still retainy all her mental faculties. Surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and other relatives, she fully enjoyed her birthday gathering. Mr. Jones, though going on for fourscore, is still hale and hearty, and able to do a good day's work in his market garden.