OLD FOLKS' GATHERING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 38, 15 February 1937, Page 10

OLD FOLKS' GATHERING.

The Birkenhead Methodist Hall was filled on Saturday afternoon on the occasion of the annual gathering of the old folk of, Birkenhead and Northcote. The Rev. W. Gatman, who presided, stated that the Rev. Percy Cooke, now of Otahuhu, who was the speaker at the church service held just previously, had inaugurated the function for the old people 16 years ago. Afternoon tea was served by a committee of ladies, and an enjoyable programme included songs by Mrs. E. Bell-Booth, elocutionary items by Misses Berenice Marra and Millie Hadfield, and community singing led by the chairman. The accompaniments were played by Mrs. J. Gregory, Miss Woods and Mr. S. Jackson. The benediction was pronounced by the Rev. S. L. Boot. The Mayor and Mayoress of Birkenhead, Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Osborne, and the Mayoress of Northcote, Mrs. R. Martin, were amongst those present. The oldest woman present was Mrs. M. A. Whitcombe, of Northcote, aged 88 years, and Mr. James Meston, aged 89 years, of Northcote, wa* the oldest man in the gathering.