OBITUARY

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27986, 5 June 1956, Page 2

OBITUARY

MRS M. A. SOUTHEN Mrs Mary Ann Southen. who died on Saturday at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs Bert George, Main South road, Upner RCcarton, celebrated her one hundred and first birthday in January. Mrs Southen was born in Kent, and came tn New Zealand from Britain in the sailing ship Garloch. landing at Port Chalmers on February 14, 1875. She and her husband, who died in 1926, moved to Sockburn in June of the same year. Since then she had lived in the Sockburn-Riccarton area, and on the Main South road after her husband retired from the position of sexton at St. Peter’s Church in 1905. For more than 70 years Mrs Southen was a regular worshipper at St. Peter’s Church, and attended a service last Christmas Dav She was on n of the earliest members of 'the Mothers’ Union, and was believed to be ' the oldest living member of the union jn the Diocese of Christchurch. Every year some of her handwork was on sale at the St. Peter’s Church bajaar. Patchwork quilts were her specialty. Until last year Mrs Southen took a keen interest in current events, reading the daily newspapers and novels. She also tended her garden plot and insisted in doing her own room. Later she became somewhat deaf, and could no longer enjoy conversation and the radio. After she became less active she enjoyed watching the passing traffic from a seat on her veranda. On her one hundredth birthday celebration more than 203 relatives and friends called on Mrs Southen durin > the day. and about 150 guests attended an afternoon tea party. Some of her callers were persons who waved to ‘‘the little old lady on the veranda”, as they passed A highlight of the day was a message of congratulation from the Queen. Telegrams also arrived for Mrs Southen from the Governor-General (Sir Willoughby Norrie) and Lady Norrie, the Prime Minister (Mr Holland). and Mrs Holland, the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr S. W. Smith), Mr A. McLagan, member of Parliament tor Riccarton, and the Bishop of Christchurch (the Rt. Rev. A. K. Warren). She also received flowers, gifts, cablegrams and telegrams from relatives and friends in Australia and throughout New Zealand.

There is a welcome for every customer visiting our salon. We give efficient and friendly service—Do bring your hat problems to us. We are still giving the 4/- in the £ discount Georgette Millinery, Ballantynes Bldg.. 122 Cashel street, and Ashburton. —Advt.