The Quads Throw A Birthday Party

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 44, 22 February 1938, Page 3

The Quads Throw A Birthday Party

CANON KEEPS OUT “GATECRASHERS” Britain’s wonder children, Ann, Paul, Ernest and Michael Miles, St. Neots quadruplets, had the most exciting day of their lives recently. It wae their second birthday, and after their party, with cakes and toys, and with proud aunts and unqles looking on, they were allowed to stay up till seven o’clock as a special favour. I was the first to wish the Quads “many happy returns,” (writes a reporter in an English paper). To make sure of the privilege I had slept all night in a room adjoining their nursery. Healthy cries announced that thsy were awake, and they stopped only when Mrs Miles produced their early morning hot milk. Ann, Paul, Ernest and Michael wore washed just in time for eight o’clock porridge. Then down went the Quads to the sun parlour till noon, when they had their next meal. This time, stewed rabbit, greens and potatoes, rounded off with more porridge. After this the usual afternoon nap in preparation for the arrival of the birthday party guests. First came Dr. Harrisson, who has never missed a daily visit since the Quads were installed in their new nursery. Then came Granny Mason. Her birthday present was a big kiss for each of them. Father Miles was busy receiving ail the other friends of the family, including Uncle Will, Auntie Vera, and at the same time doing his best to keep out gatecrashers. All St. Neots seemed to be tryi- . i get into the nursery. Sanon SouuiPhillips, who christened the babies, had to appoint himself unofficial “doorAt half-past four, amid screams of joy from the quads, the presents were opened. There were crockery sets, frocks, dolls, games, picture books and a —esizo St. Bernard dog on wheels. B-ut the present the babies liked best was that of their four-year-old brother Gordon—a box of bricks for each of them. Only the lighting of the candles on the four birthday cakes could tear the quads away from them. Paul and Ernest extinguished their candles in one blow, while Michael -fc only blew his own candles out, but Ann’s as well and cried for them to be lit all over again. The babies were weighed and each has gained roughly a pound and a half. From now on the Quads will be weighed only every three months.