CENTENARIAN DIES.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19813, 28 December 1929, Page 2

CENTENARIAN DIES.

THE LATE MRS S. A. TOMS. The death occurred at Cbri-stehureli at midnight on Wednesday of Mrs Sarah Ann Toms, an inmate of the Jubilee Home, Woolston. She held her 100 th birthday party at the Home on the evening of October iSth last, and took great interest and delight m the celebration, which was attended by more than 150 people. Her extreme old age was not betraved bv any diminution in the keenness of her faculties, and she was both mentally and physically alert. The other inmates—all of whom had a high regard for her —speak of her directness and reliability. She was not quick to form opinions, but once formed, she clung to them forever. She was methodical and painstaking in all that sha did, and was a person above all who had rigid and long-formed habits. Before she changed her room to the hospital wing of the institution, she herself attended to most of the work which was to be done in her own quarters. The change came about a year ago, when she began to fail perceptiblv, and she was transferred to a part of "the llome where more care could be taken of her. Ever since then, she has lived happily, sometimes resting in bed and sometimes up and about the institution. She had considerable means of her own, and although she preferred remaining at the Jubilee Home, her fellow-inmates will testify to the resolute and independent spirit which was the keynote of her life during the last years. Her memory was wonderfully good, and she had a tremendous store of knowledge gathered in a clearsighted way during the hundred years of her life. Through her unwillingness to talk about her own life and experiences, many interesting events remain, without doubt, unknown. Her husband, Mr William Toms, died in 1900, and was welt known in Christchurch, particularly in Masonic circles. She has no other relatives in New Zealand, except a grand-nephew of her. husband, Mr Hobbs. Mrs Toms entered the Home on April Srd, 1919. She was born in India in 1829, of Irish stock. Her father was John Doughney, and was a non-commissioned officer in the second battalion of the First. Royal Eegiment of foot. Eighteen months after her birth, her father, who lost a leg in an engagement, was ordered Home, and the family settled down first at Chatham and afterwards in Jersey. After her marriage to Mr Toms the young couple decided to come to New Zealand, and selected Christchurch for their residence. They lived in the second house built in Andover street, Merivale, and later they removed to Milson street, also in Merivale. Prior to her husband's death, Mrs Toms acted as a nurse at th« Christchurch Hospital. To the fact that she preferred an outdoor life and spent much of her time in the garden, Mrs Toms attributed some of her longevity. During the visit of the Gov-ernor-General to the Jubilee Home early this year Sir Charles Fergusson had a chat with Mrs Toms, who spoke of her early life in England and connexion members of her family had with the army. Her funeral takes place at 11 o'clock this morning, from 19 London street, for the Linwood cemetery. SOCIAL AT WAIPARA. A social, organised by the Railway Social was held in the Waipara Hall on Christmas Eve. The early part of the evening was devoted to the amusement of the children, who were overjoyed at the presence of Father Christmas. Each child was presented with a gift off a lovely Christmas Tree. After the children's party dancing was enjoyed by the adults, music being supplied by Mrs Ferguson, Miss R. Hall, Messrs Hall and Watkins, and an extra by Miss J. Kilty. The Monte Carlo fox trot was won by Mrs Hall and Mr J. Croft, and a Lucky Spot waltz by Miss M. Whyte and Mr W. Treloar. Mr W. Hall, jun., acted as M.C. STAFF CHRISTMAS PARTY. The staff of Messrs Calder, Mackay Co., Ltd., enjoyed a very happy party at the home of Mr and Mrs Calder Mackay, Wairarapa terrace, Fendalton. A pleasant time was spent by all, and after supper the hostess distributed presents to each member of the staff from the big decorated Christmas tree. Tho spirit of good fellowship shown by each member , of the staff augurs well for the continued success of the progressive firm. WEDDINGS. KOLLER—PARSONAGE. A wedding of interest took place in the Methodist Church, Brougham street, on Boxing Day, December 26th, wnen Dora Eveline Roller, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Koller, Timaru, was married to William, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Parsonage, Martin avenue, Beckenham, Christchurch. The ceremony was conducted by the Rev. Mr Metson. The bride was given away by her brother, Mr Claude Koller, of Oamaru. She looked charming in a dainty frock of ivory satin and georgette, designed in the latest modeof tight bodice, with cape and full flared skirt, trimmed with lover's knots and orange blossom, and finished with a veil of silk net, held in place by a coronet of orange buds. She carried a bouquet of white lilies, roses, and maidenhair fern. The bridesmaid, Miss Flossie Parsonage, wore a dress of pale blue georgette with flared frills and cape, a pretty lemon hat. and bouquet of blue and lemon and maidenhair fern. The bridegroom was attended by his brother. Mr Harry Parsonage. After the ceremony about fifty guests coming from near and far were welcomed to the wedding breakfast in the I schoolroom, by Mesdames Koller and Parsonage. The bride's mother wore a dress of navy crepe de chine, trimmed with beige collar, a navy Bangkok hat. and bouquet of red carnations and lavender, and the bridegroom's mother wore a blue celanese frock with touches of lemon, and hat to match. The happy couple left by motor-car for Lake" fekapo, where part of the honeymoon is to be spent before leaving for their new home at Belvedere, Carterton. The bride's travelling dress was reseda green relieved with fawn facing?, and fawn silk coat and hat to match. DON'T FORGET THE PICKLES. When you are planning the camp food list don '"t forget to include a bottle of Military Pickles. The relish and flavour that these famous pickles will give to the usual cold meat luncheon will cause such a heavy demand on them that perhaps it would be better to pack two bottles of Military Pickle instead of onel """* '