N.Z.’S ONLY QUADRUPLETS ATTAIN THEIR MAJORITY

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27911, 7 March 1956, Page 12

N.Z.’S ONLY QUADRUPLETS ATTAIN THEIR MAJORITY

(New Zealand Press Association)

TIMARU, March 6. Twenty-one years ago today the Johnson family of Wakari, Dunedin—now of Timaru—was increased by four. That day New Zealand’s only set of quadruplets was born. Plans for their twenty-first party which were made almost the day they were born have come to z nothing, however. The only boy and two of the daughters are celebrating their birthday away from home. One of them, Kathleen, is in th& North Island on her honeymoon. Bruce is at present in camp, and Mary is busy looking after her four-month-old son. For Mr and Mrs Johnson the day was like any other, perhaps a rather sad one. for the ways of the quadruplets have parted. Timaru has every reason to be proud of the Johnsons. They are noted, not only because there are four of them, but for the pleasure they have given to so many with their music and entertaining. On innumerable occasions they have formed their own orchestra

for concerts and dances, and Bruce, who plays the piano-accordion as well as the piano, is hoping to ’become a member of the Savage Club now he is 21.

Looking back over the years, Mrs Johnson recalls the many happy times when the family were all together. Sunday evenings round the piano, birthday parties and weddings, and the happy gatherings of sailors to whom the Johnson house was a home away from home. The quadruplets have always been passionately fond of pets, and. if space had permitted, would have had horses and cows and every type of animal to add to their already large collection of cats and dogs. The Johnson sitting room, which is a gallery of family photographs, also has an impressive array of pets’ awards won at local shows and at the Bay carnival. What is it like to be the mother of quadruplets? Mrs Johnson says the most difficult part is letting them grow up as individuals. The Johnsons have always hated the publicity surrounding them, and in their home the word “quadruplet” is never mentioned. They are very close to each other, and there feems to be an inexplicable bond between them not usually found among ordinary brothers and sisters. Now Mrs Johnson is faced with another problem. The quadruplets are starting their own homes, and who is to have the treasures which up till now they have always shared? The visitors’ book with more than 2000 names in it. the film recording their lives, the numerous telegrams of congratulation. and all the other things which hold equal value for them all. Perhaps this problem will be solved by leaving them at home. For. although Mr and Mrs Johnson are moving into a smaller house soon, wherever their parents are will always be home to the quadruplets.