DIAMOND WEDDING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 227, 24 September 1932, Page 7

DIAMOND WEDDING.

ME. AND MRS. J. COLE. Mr. and Mrs. J. Cole celebrated their diamond wedding yesterday at their residence, "Haverthwaite House," 33, Cromwell Road, Mount Eden. The marriage took place at Barlowrnoor Parish Church, Didsbury, near Manchester, England, on September 23, 1572. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cole were born in Ulverstone, Lancashire, Mr. Cole being born on January 2, 1851, and Mrs. Cole on May 20, 1849. Mr. Cole served his apprenticeship to the building trade, and after his marriage commenced business in the Lakes district. They came to New Zealand early in January, 18S5, by the lonic, and landed in Wellington. Mr. Cole's original intention on coming to New Zealand was to take up poultry and bee farming, but on arrival here he found the price of eggs 4d a dozen, and honey 2Jd a lb. The whole country was passing through a slump period, which lasted until about 1894, only beginning to improve in the 'nineties. Mr. Cole commenced business in building and contracting in 18S9 with Mr. J. A. Moody, of Auckland, and the firm carried out many large contracts, including the laying of the first water supply through Devonport from Lake Pupuke to Mount Victoria and supplying Devonport with the first water reticulation. Among the last contracts completed were the warehouses of Messrs. Briecoe and Co., Ltd., and Messrs. John Chambers and Son, Ltd. Mr. Cole retired in 1900, and Mr. Moody carried on the business. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cole are in the beet of health. A family reunion took place, attended by their five children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.