CELEBRATION OF 96TH BIRTHDAY

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24731, 23 November 1945, Page 6

CELEBRATION OF 96TH BIRTHDAY

MR T- H. BANNEHR, OF GERALDINE ■j . From Oui Own Reporter ; GERALDINE, November 22. ‘ • A veteran-. journalist and an • old • resident. of Geraldine. Mr T. H. Bannehr, celebrated his ninety-sixth birthday to-day, when he attended a small party arranged by ; Mrs G.: R.Knibb. Reminiscences 'of early experiences’ in England were given by .Mr Bannehr;; A telegram from his Excellency the Governor-General (Sir Cyril NewalDsaid: “Her Excellency and T send you ’ our warm congratulations and good wishes on the celebration to-day' of your ninety-sixth birthday.’;' Telegrams of congratulation were {also received from the Prime Miniaer (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser), from the Mayor, and councillors of the Geraldine 1 Borough Council, and from; Geraldine Toe ; H. In addition telegrams and cables were received : from , Sydney, Melbourne, Christchurch,, and other parts of New Zealand. { ' ’■ A Justice "of the Peace* for more than 56 years, Mr Bannehr is one of the oldest men holding this office in New Zealand. Mr Bannehr holds the 'honour of being one of the foundation members of the Press Association ini New Zealand. ■ ‘ ■ . ■ vHewas born in Surrey, England, in 1849 and came to New Zealand in 1869 to work as an accountant for an importing firm in Nelson:) In the same year Mr Bannehr 'joined the: staff; of the “Nelson Colonist” asi an ' accountant and reporter, - eventually becoming which position he held until his retirement ■in 1907. . Thirty-five years ago Mr .Bannehr came ’to Geraldine and took the position of editor .of the “Geraldine Mail,” which was published in Geraldine.