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Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 15, 12 October 1927, Page 18

Great interest is being taken in Opotiki in the approaching 100th birthday of Airs. Martha Reece, which falls on November 3 (says the “Mail”). She. was born in Shropshire in 1827, Mi’s. Reece was married in Worcestershire in 1857, and she and her late husband came to New Zealand by the sailing vessel Nimrod in 1864. They resided in Auckland for about tour years, and settled in Opotiki in 1868. Airs. Reece has lived there since. Mr. Rccco died about 30 years ago. Their descendants now living comprise three daughters, two sons, 33 grandchildren, and 18 great-grand-children. Mrs. Reece went through the trials of the Ataori War, and cau relate interesting stories of that period. With the exception of failing sight. Mrs. Reece retains all her faculties. Airs. J. T. Thompson, of Opotiki. who is a friend of Mrs. Reece, recently wrote to the King and Queen telling them about Airs. Reece’s age. and recently she received a letter from Their Alajesties’ private secretary. asking for further . particulars. These have been forwarded.