HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 6, 8 January 1942, Page 4

HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY

(P.A,) AUCKLAND, January 7. To be now over 100 yeax-s old is the I distinction of Mrs. Mary Parker, Devonport, who celebrated her birthday on Christmas Day. Though the date of her birth is recorded on her i marriage certificate as Deecmber 25, [ 1842, it is understood that an error was made, and Mrs. Parker maintains that she was born on December 25, 1841, at Man-o'-War Bay, on the eastern side of Waiheke Island. The claim made on Mrs. Parker's behalf that she is the oldest living person born in New Zealand has never been disputed.

Her parents came from Cork, Ireland, to Waiheke when the island was largely inhabited by Maoris and the only means of communication with the mainland were rowing boats and an occasional cargo vessel. Her father was engaged in timberfelling. For the past fifty-five years Mrs. Parker has lived in Devonport, where she is now looked after by her daughter. She has always taken a great interest in the boys of the Navy, who pass and repass her door. In spite of her age she has the use of.all her faculties to a remarkable degree and does not wear glasses.

Of Mrs. Parker's family of 12 sons and daughters, seven are still living. Among her descendants are five great-great-grandchildren. Her husband, Lieutenant-Colonel H. Parker, who died -more than 20 years ago, was a well-known Customs officer.