‘AULD SCOTS LADY’ IS 95

Press, Volume C, Issue 29516, 18 May 1961, Page 2

‘AULD SCOTS LADY’ IS 95

Husband Was Coachbuilder

“Auld Scotch Things” is still the favourite song and a source of memories for Mrs Elizabeth Macdonald, who will celebrate her ninety-fifth birthday on Saturday. Born in Glasgow in 1866, Mrs Macdonald went to Sydney with her parents, and her father ran a hotel where the Sydney Town Hall now stands. As she grew up, Mrs Macdonald developed a good soprano voice, and made several concert appearances in Sydney. It was her interest in singing that brought her and her husband, Mr Randolph Macdonald, together. He was a tenor and sang regularly in a church choir. In 1891 they were married and came to Christchurch a few years later, where Mr Macdonald established a coach-building business in Victoria street. Mr Macdonald was one of the founders of the Scottish Society in Christchurch, and both he and Mrs Macdonald gave to the society many years of service. They continued their singing, and frequently performed at the society's gatherings. During World War I Mrs Macdonald was an active worker for the Patriotic Fund. She has travelled frequently to Australia, and also visited America.

She now lives with one of her two surviving daughters, and is still very active. “I don't feel 95,” she said yesterday. Her birthday will be celebrated on Saturday with a gathering of friends.