MR. AND MRS. JOHNS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 119, 16 November 1937, Page 14

MR. AND MRS. JOHNS

DIAMOND WEDDING 1877-1937

:-,'"-6n.-SaturdayUast;.,;;.Mr.A and; Mrs. Johns,.- of Levin, celebrated their dia-mond-wedding anniversary' at the residence of their eldest daughter, Mrs. Carr, Sutherland Road, Lyall Bay. ■'.-■Mr. and.Mrs. Johns were born in London, arid came to New Zealand 22 years ago. They were married at" St. Saviours' Church, Herrie Hill,' London. There were seven sons and five daughters, but only four sons and two daughters'are now living. One son is in Lower Hutt, one in Auckland, one in Palmerston North, and one in London, and the yoUngest daughter resides in G-reymouth. There are many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. During the evening, Mrs. Johns, who*is 80 years of age, surprised her family and friends by singing, very clearly, "Sunshine Above," and later gave an impromptu pianoforte solo. Mr. Johns is nearly 82. Community singing and dancing were indulged in. Musical items included a rendering of "Flight of Ages" by Mrs. Cafr. Mr. L. Johns playeff a violin serenata in F. Mr,, A. Black sang "Absent," Mr.-Sharp some Scottish •sqn.gs, and Mrs: Cole "Somewhere a Voice is Calling." Many bouquets of roses were sent to Mrs. Johns, and beautiful flowers and coloured lights decorated the house. An excellent supper was : provided, after which Mrs. Johns, assisted by her husband, cut the diamond-shaped wedding cake, which was given and made by Mr. and Mrs. Sharp, of Greymouth. The toasts were then proposed by the eldest son of "The King," "Parents," and "Absent Son." Mr. Carr responded. Mr. Sharp also remarked that it was unique that his parents, as well as his wife's parents, had celebrated their diamond wedding. The youngest son then read congratulatory telegrams. Amongst those received were messages from the King and Queen, Lord and Lady Galway, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, Mr. J. O'Brien, M.P. for Greymouth, and several from Greymouth. Mr. and Mrs. Johns received many useful gifts. The singing of "Auld Lang Syne" ended a very happy evening.