EIGHTY-SIX TO-DAY.

Auckland Star, Issue 17, 21 January 1932, Page 8

EIGHTY-SIX TO-DAY.

MR. JOHN COURT, OF AUCKLAND.

FRIEND OF CHILDREN. TO EQUIP GREY LYNN PARK. Mr. John Court, of Hamilton Road, Heme Bay, to-day celebrated his eightysixth birthday. He was born at Feckenliam, Worcestershire, in 1846', and came to Auckland to join- his three brothers in 1880. He founded the drapery firm in Queen Street, of John Court, Ltd., from the control of which he retired some years ago. Mr. Court is highly respected by all who know him. He did good ser-1 vice to the citv as a councillor for 13 years, and was for four years deputy Mayor. There .will be a family gathering this evening, which is expected to be attended by about 30 near relatives, including four great-grandchildren. There is to be a birthday cake which will have S(> candles. Mr. Court's friends will be pleased to learn that in spite of length of days, he is in good health, and still enjoys a run 111 his motor car, and an occasional game of bridge. In his earlier years Mr. Court was an enthusiastic bowler, and was a member of the New Zealand team which toured Australia in 190r>, and also the one that visited Great Britain in 1907. Mr. Court some years ago provided the fine playing apparatus for the youngsters in Victoria Park, Freeman's Bay, which lias been a continual source of enjoyment. He also purchased for the Auckland Zoo, 'the first elephant, which it .is almost needless to state, has been a delight to the thousands of little folk who liave ridden 011 Jamuna. To celebrate this birthday Sir. Court has offered the City Council to < provide the equipment for a children's playground in the Grev Lynn Park. This will he the third park so equipped in the City Council's area, the others beingMyers Park and Victoria Park. Grey Lynn Park is near Williamson Avenue, and is situated in one of the city's most densely populated areas. At one time the place was an eyesore. The City Council decided to beautify the spot, and much filling in was done under the unemployment scheme. To-day there is a pretty playing ground on which football is played in winter, and cricket and other sports in summer. Mr. Courts offer was forwarded to the town eleik, Mr J. Brigham, this morning, and it will, be placed before the next meeting of the City Council.