IN HER 99TH YEAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18662, 19 March 1924, Page 10

IN HER 99TH YEAR.

MRS. ANN WATSON. ENCOUNTER WITH HONE HEKE. To have entered on her 99th year and to be still bale and hearty, and in full possession of her faculties, is the lot .of Mrs. Ann Watson, of No. 1, Valentine's Lane, off Victoria Street West. Mrs, Watson celebrated her 98th birthday yes terday. r. Despite her great age, Mrs. Watsoo was able to read the many letters of congratulation she received, including one written in pencil. She still does her ■ own cooking, shopping, and sewing. Sh« eats and sleeps well, and when visited yesterday looked the very picture ol health. - , , r - . Mrs. Watson, who was born ' in Shoreditch, London, arrived in New Zealand before 1840. Her long life has - been crowded with incident, and marked by many exciting experiences. Shortly after her arrival- in this country she left/ in company with her parents, for San Francisco. The Thomas Lloyd, the vessel in which they sailed, was a sailing ship ol only 75 tons, and Mrs. Watson can remember the interest that was aroused in San Francisco when the small ship's long voyage became known. The Californian city was then but a collection of tents, Mid residents lived in fear of attacks by Indians. The return to New Zealand was madd via Sydney. For a number of years Mrs. Watson's parents kept a store at Whang&rtia, moving later to the Bay of Islands. There they had their first experience of th« Maori War, and after an encounter with the native, the family returned to Whangaroa. On one occasion, while Mrs. Watson's father was away, the home was visited by Hone Heke. A sign over th« door reading, "Liquor, for White Men Only," attracted the chief's attention, and he demanded drink. Being refused hi raised an aie and threatened to kill Mrs. Watson's mother. ''; The brave women snatched the weapon from his grasp and ordered him away. Her courage so much impressed Hone Heke that he left tin place. Some time later; however, he re* turned and burned the store,' and the family was forced to come to Auckland. Mrs. Watson was married at Honolulu in 1849. Her husband, who died 17 years ago, was a coachbuilder by trade.. The old lady has for over 60 years been a . regular attendant _at St. Matthew's Church, aid, though it entails a walk of more than a quarter of a mile, she still goes there every fine Sunday evening. She saw the foundation stone of th« old church laid, and she can recall th« names of many vicars of the parish.