NINETY-ONE YEARS OLD

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22274, 13 December 1937, Page 8

NINETY-ONE YEARS OLD

Rev. James Richards A MINISTER IN TWO CHURCHES A minister in his time both of the Methodist and Presbyterian churches, the Rev. James Richards celebrated his ninety-first birthday at his home. If. Morris street, Avonside, on Saturday. He came to New Zealand froin Australia many years ago to repair his health; and his great age ‘may be taken as a sound advertisement for the New Zealand and particularly the Christchurch climate.

Mr Richards is extraordinarily active for hr? age though his hearing is impaired. Born in England, he went to Australia at an early age and began his work in the Methodist ministry there. Nearly 33 years ago he came to New Zealand for his health, choosing Christchurch as his home. He did relieving work for Methodist ministers here, preaching from practically every city and suburban Methodist pulpit. After seven years in Christchurch, Mr Richards, together with Mrs Richards, left for the North Island, where he entered the Presbyterian ministry. He was stationed at Huntly during the early war years, and then came south again to Renwicktown. in Marlborough, then to Picton and Riwaka. He retired 14 years ago and returned to Christchurch, where he has since lived. His wife, whom he married in England, is some years younger than he.

Birds and animals for the Auckland Zoological Park arrived by the Wanganella. When received by an official they were found to be in good condition and none the worse for the trip, across the Tasman. The exhibits are two Tasmanian devils, five wallabies, one kangaroo, one Cape Barron goose, and a pair of Australian wedge-tail eagles. They are from the Beaumaris Zoo, Hobart, which was closed through lack of public support, “Cannot we do something to delay the departure of tourists from Wanganui?” asked Mr J. Williams at a meeting of the Wanganui Chamber of Commerce executive. He said that at present tourists arriving in the city on Sunday evenings were required to leave before _ 9 o’clock on Monday morning. An extra hour in the city would be of immense value to business people, he said. Mr W. J. Gibson Hughes, president of the Tourist and Development League said that the tourists had to arrive in Wellington for lunch on the day after their arrival in Wanganui. He thought that if the departure of the cruise ships from Wellington could be delayed, extra time might be allowed in Wanganui. He would take the matter up with the authorities in co-operation with the chamber. ——