DIAMOND WEDDING

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 28, 28 October 1940, Page 4

DIAMOND WEDDING

Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Abraham

The diamond wedding of Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Abraham was celebrated on Sunday at their home, "Risby,” Bath Street, Palmerston North. ’ Both Mr. and Mrs. Abraham have been permanently associated with the growth of the city anil district. On October 27, 1880, they were married in St. Mary’s Chui-ch (now the pro-cathedral), Parnell, Auckland. Mrs. Abraham is a daughter of Dr. Philson, who was a widely-known and greatly respected figure in the medical life of Auckland for over half a century. Mr. Abraham, who is the third sou of Canon James Abraham, Rector of Risby, Suffolk, and a grandson of Lord Chancellor Westbury, received his education at Hitileybury and Ke.ble College, Oxford, and came to New Zealand in 1874. After his arrival he undertook farming with a brother in the Pukekohe district, but then entered the banking profession and became manager of the Bulls branch of the Bank of New Zealand. Later, he joined the firm of Stevens and Gorton aud after a period took ovpr the southern part of their district under the name of Abraham aud Williams, stock and station agents, with headquarters at Palmerston North. His partner was Mr. Alick Williams, Hawke’s Bay.' Throughout his residence in Palmerston North Mr. Abraham has taken a prominent part in public and social activities. He took part in the formation of the Manawatu and West Coast A. and P. Association, the Manawatu Racing Club, the Manawatu Golf Club, and also the Polo Club, and the English Public Schools Association of other years. At 89 years of age he is still chairman of his company and takes a wide interest in the affairs of the Manawatu.

Mrs. Abraham’s interests have been concerned mainly with her family, her home and her garden. Incidentally, rings of daffodils which excite much comment from persons seeing them in spring along the drive to Massey College were planted, by Mrs. Abraham when, 'the property belonged Ito the family and was called “Tiritea.” Mr. and Mrs. Abraham had seven children. The 'two sons, Messrs. H. E. Abraham and R. P. Abraham, died some years ago. as 'did also the eldest daughter, Mrs. Francis Hewitt. The surviving daughters are Miss Ethel Abraham, and Mesdames A. N. Barraud (Palmerston North), J. R. L. Stanford (Marton), and L. A. P. Sheriff (Taihape). The ten grandsons of eligible age have all enlisted for overseas service with the Forces. On Saturday. Mr. Abraham was met by the staff of the firm, receiving expressions of esteem and congratulation. On behalf of the staff Mr. S. R. Thompson presented Mr. A-brfiham with a token of. goodwill, and conveyed to him and Mrs. Abraham their warm felicitations.