DIAMOND WEDDING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 29, 3 January 1940, Page 11

DIAMOND WEDDING.

REV. AND MRS G. K. AITKEN. On Saturday Rev. and Mrs G. K. Aitken, of Shirley, Christchurch, who are known in many parts of Now Zealand for the service they have given to the Presbyterian Church, celebrated their diamond wedding. They came from Scotland, where Mr Aitken, who celebrated his 84th birthday on November 12, was born at Montrose. 'Hie birthplace of Mrs Aitken, whose 83rd birtlulav was on Christinas Eve, is Auehinblne. at the foot of the Grampian Hills. They were married in Glasgow and went to Australia about 34 years ago, being passengers by the sailing vessel Scottish Wizard. After their arrival in New Zealand 30 years ago Mr Aitken’s first charge was Foxton. He was at Methven for nine years, including the war period, and at Featherston for another four. He accented a call from Kaiapoi, and retired after four years in the charge. Subsequently, however, he took the position of moderator at New Brighton. He also filled the charge of St. Martin’s for a" brief period, and was clerk to the Christchurch Presbytery for nine years. Mr Aitken retired about three and a-balf rears ago, when he suffered a severe illness He now enjovs good health. Mrs Aitken is an invalid, hut is stiil very alert mentally and has as keen a memory as her husband of their manv interesting experiences in the outback of Australia. There were four sons of the marriage, one being killed at Gallipoli. The other sons are Messrs Lindsnv Aitken (Ashburton) ar>d George red Alan Aitken (both of Gisborne). The oiilv daughter. Miss E. Y. Aitken, lives with her parents.