DIAMOND WEDDING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 26, 31 January 1934, Page 13

DIAMOND WEDDING.

MR. AND MRS. W. DRI.FFILL. A function of considerable local interest took place at Waiotemarama on January 24 to celebrate the diamond wedding of Mr. and Mre. William Driffill, who were married in St. Paul's Parish Church, Middlesbrough, on January 24, 1874. Coming to New Zealand the following year in the sailing ship Huiunui, they rtraushipped at Wellington on to the Taianaki and were landed at New Plymouth by surf boats. After residing in Taranaki for ' several years, the family came to Auckland'. Their next move was to "Pine Hill," Waiotemarama. Mr. Driflill is 85 years of age and Mrs. Driffill is 78, and' both enjoy good health. Tho celebrations took the form of a reception at the home during the day, and approximately 100 guests partook of a delicious breakfast pro vided by the daughters. An outstanding feature was the beautifully decorated cake made by Mrs. A. T. Young. During the breakfast numerous congratulatory telegrams from all over the Dominion and from Australia were read to the guests. Speeches and toasts were given, led by the Rev. R. Grice. Among the speeches, two old identities of the district, Mr. W. S. Fell and Mr. R. Parlanc, spoke of their early associations with Mr. and Mrs. Driflill, and various incidents leading up to the present time. Mr. Bannister also spoke. In the evening a thanksgiving service was held in the Anglican Church, the Rev. Scott officiating, and later a functiontook place in the Waimamaku Hall, which was decorated with streamers, greens and flowers. Mr. and Mrs. Driflill had nine children, one being born in England and eight in New Zealand. There are 2.3 grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren. Tlie daughters aue: Mrs. 11. King (Rawene), Mrs. J. Nelder (Koutu). Mrs. F. Field (Waiotemarania), Mrs. M. J. Johns (Rockhampton, Queensland), Mrs. A. Hewlett (Rawene), Mrs. A". T. Young (Kamo), Mise Ivy Driflill (Waiotemarama). Their only son, William C. 11. Driffill, was killed in France while on active service, and a daughter, Miss Mary Driffill, also died.