NINETY-SIXTH BIRTHDAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20130, 15 December 1928, Page 14

NINETY-SIXTH BIRTHDAY.

DR. A. REID, OF OPOTIKI.

FIFTY YEARS IN DISTRICT.

[by TELEGRAPH. —OWN correspondent.] OPOTIKI, Friday.

Dr. Alexander Reid, of Opotiki, will celebrate his 96th birthday to-morrow, see the veteran walking round without the aid of a stick, makes it hard to believe he is within four years of ICO. He lives a few miles out of Opotiki, but motors in two or three times a week, attending to business.

Born in Port Gordon, Scotland, in 1832, Dr. Eeid took his degrees at Home, and for 16 years practised at Tow Law. During the last winter ha was there, he was called out to an urgent case and had to ride 10 miles. Leaving for home in the early morning he was caught in a terrible blizzard, wilth the result that he suffered a severe illness, which incapacitated him for 12 months. He then decided to seek a warmer climate, and decided on New Zealand Before sailing he was the recipient of a handsome, illuminated address from the residents of Tow- Law. The address stated that it was recognised by all that the doctor's efforts were directly responsible for the .death-rate in the district dropning from 25 to 17 per 1000. The address was accompanied by a handsome • solid silver tea and coffee service, both, being highly cherished by Dr. Reid. In 1876 he came as ship's doctor on the ship Maori to Auckland. By special request of the passeng<#s, he continued his journey with them to the Bay of Islands. After seeing them settled he left on his return to England. Staying a few months at Home, Dr. Reid decided to make his homo in New Zealand. He has lived for 50 years in Opotiki, where he has mado many friends by his unfailing courtesy and kindness to all. Ho enjoys remarkably good health.