REUNION AFTER 44 YEARS

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31836, 14 November 1968, Page 3

REUNION AFTER 44 YEARS

A brother and sister who parted 44 years ago in Scotland met again for the first time in Christchurch yesterday.

They are Mrs H. G. Adams, of 401 Wairakei Road, Christchurch, and Mr J. Kellachan, of New York. “It is a big thrill, and something I have always prayed and hoped for. I still can’t believe he is really here,” Mrs Adams said, looking at her brother. Mr Kellachan, the oldest of a family of six, last saw his sister when he was 16 and she was seven years old. Their mother had died and an aunt and uncle brought Mrs Adams to New Zealand. ONLY ONE Her brother is the only member of her family she has seen since then, although she corresponds with the others, another in New York and

three in Scotland, Mrs Adams said.

Mr Kellachan went to New York from Scotland 42 years ago and worked there as an engineer until his retirement two years ago. He has revisited Scotland several times, however.

He and his wife (who. did not come to New Zealand) have two sons and six daughters. Seven of their children are married and they have 20 grandchildren. Mrs Adams was a nurse for 21 years, until her marriage 10 years ago. She did her psychiatric training at Sunnyside Hospital and her general and maternity training at Timaru. She returned to Sunnyside as a tutor and stayed for 13 years. “I have always wanted to see my brothers and sisters again and thought of making the trip, but somehow never got away,” said Mrs Adams. Mr Kellachan will return to New York for’Christmas.