SIXTY YEARS MARRIED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22444, 13 June 1936, Page 24

SIXTY YEARS MARRIED

MAJOR AND MRS. PARKER [from our own correspondent] HAMILTON, Friday Married on Juno 13, 1876, Major and Mrs. R. G. V. Parker, of Nixon Street, Hamilton East, celebrate the diamond jubilee of their wedding tomorrow. Major Parker was born in Hedley, Hampshire. Ho joined tho Royal Garrison Artillery in 1879 and was stationed at Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight, the Channel Islands, Dover, Chatham and Lydd. Ho received certificates of proficiency in laboratory work and gunnery before buying his discharge. Major Parker camo to New Zealand, and in 1885 he became an artillery instructor in Auckland, where ho took part in the training of tho Armed Constabulary as artillerymen. Ho also trained the Auckland Navals and the members of O. Battery. On being transferred to Wellington, Major Parker instructed the permanent artillery and tho Wellington and Petono Navals, and assisted in tho mounting of guns. Three years later ho went to Dunedin and continued his training work among tho permanent artillerymen and volunteer navals. Contingents which left for the Boer War wero also trained by him. He was promoted to tho rank of lieutenant in 1911. During tho Great War ho was posted to tho New Zealand Army Ordnanco Corps with tho rank of captain. He retired while holding tho rank of major after having had 40 years army service. Two of his sons ser\od in tho Great War, ono being killed on active service. ( Major Parker has completed 50 years association with tho Masonic Lodge, in which ho has held high rank. He is a foundation member and a past-master of Lodge Hamilton. There are seven children, 13 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.