HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19280, 19 March 1926, Page 15

HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY.

AN INTERESTING PARTY.

MRS. WATSON HONOURED

CONGRATULATIONS AND GIFTS

Surrounded by her friends and descendants to the third and fourth generation, Mrs. Ann Watson, one of Auckland's oldest, pioneers, yesterday achieved the distinction she has been eagerly looking forward to for many months past, 100 " not out."

Mrs. Watson's birthday party, arranged by the St. Matthew's branch of the Mothers' Union, was characterised by a splendid feeling of veneration and love for one who has endeared herself to old and young alike, whose cheerfulness of spirit and kindness of heart have .been an inspiration to all who have known her. About 200 guests were present, including several grandchildren, great-grand-children and great-great-grandchildren, the youngest of these an infant four months old. Canon Grant Cowen. who presided, read a personal letter bearing the Gov-ernor-General's cordial birthday wishes and congratulations; also letter's from Archbishop and Mrs. Averill, the Mayor of Auckland, and the Auckland Londoners' Club, of which Mrs. Watson is the oldest member.

The old lady, clad in the neat black bonnet and cape which she keeps for " best " occasions, was the recipient of many beautiful floral tributes, including one from the boys of Princess Mary Children's Hospital, and one from the " third-floor " girls of John Court, Ltd. Many parcels of intriguing shape hinted at other birthday offerings while proudly set in the centre of tho table was a fine birthday cake, an offering from the Mothers' Union. It was minus the hundred candles, but was nevertheless a handsome and imposing reminder of the noteworthy event which it celebrated. At the invitation of Canon Grant Cowen Mrs. Watson cut the first slice, tasted it, and with the knowing nod of the connoisseur pronounced it " very good."

In extending to Mrs. Watson the loving greetings and congratulations of all present, Canon Grant Cowen said that the occasion was one of deep interest in the life of the community. It was very seldom that God gave to one of His children 30 years more than the allotted span, or that one who did achieve this distinction should reach the great age of 100 and still he hale and hearty. The record of Mrs. Watson's life was a truly wonderful one; she was a little girl when the great Queen Victoria came to the Throne. She had lived in the reign of five monarchs, had seen marvellous changes come to the world, and lived through years that had changed - the whole history of our times. She had come to Auckland when the city was but a pioneer village, Karangahape Road a waste of scrub, and Queen Street but a track in a gully. She had been spared to live a life of usefulness and kindness to all with whom she had come in contact, and hundreds of friends would join with him in wishing her Good-speed, happiness in the years that still remained to her, and the comfort of an Almighty Father's love when her long span of years should come to its close. ,At the conclusion of the address the entire gathering stood and cheered the centenarian, who sat quietly in her comfortable chair, quite obviously enjoying the proceedings. Afternoon tea and a brief musical programme arranged by Mr. J. H. Phillpot. consisting of familiar old airs, completed the party. A little weary, but still retaining her air of complete self-possession, the aged lady took her departure after the singing of " Auld Lang Syne," and " Granny " Watson's long-anticipated birthday party was ended.'