DIAMOND WEDDING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19621, 27 April 1927, Page 14

DIAMOND WEDDING.

MAJOR AND MRS. B. HARRIS. The diamond wedding of Major and Mrs. Benjamin Harris, of Clyde Street, Epsom, was celebrated on Monday. The marriage was performed at The Grange, Otahuhu, bv the Rev. John Mackay, on April 25, 1867. As a pioneer settler, soldier and politician, Major Harris, who is in his 91st year, has had an unusual and interesting career. Born in Lishurn, Ireland, in 1836, he came to New Zealand with his parents in 1847. His boyhood was spent at East Tamaki and when 22 years old he acquired a block of land 'at Pnkekohe, where he Started farming. "When the Maori War broke out he joined the Otahuhu Cavalry Volunteers under the command of Colonel Nixon. During the progress of the Waikato War Major Harris had charge of a company of troopers, and after long service retired from the army with the New Zealand medal and a number of other decorations. His connection with volunteer life continued for many years, during which time he commanded the Tuakau Rifles, the Pnkekohe Rifles and the Franklin Mounted Rifles. Major Harris served on the Auckland Provincial Council from 1874 to 1876 and in 1879 entered Parliament as member for Franklin. In 1897 ho was appointed to the Legislative Council, and resigned four years ago, after 26 years' service Mrs. Harris is the only daughter of the late Mr. Archibald Scott and Mrs. Wnllis, of Wairoa South. Major and Mrs. Harris celebrated the wedding anniversary with a family reunion. They wore the recipients of many congratulatory letters and telegrams, from all parts of New Zealand . There are three daughters. Mrs. W. Glasson, Mrs. F. Short and Mrs. J. Bosworth, one son. Mr. W. Harris, and eight grandchildren.