NINETY YEARS OLD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23048, 27 May 1938, Page 4

NINETY YEARS OLD

PIONEER'S BIRTHDAY 75 YEARS IN DOMINION MEMORIES OF MAORI WARS The many real dangers which stirrounded European settlers in New Zealand during the time of the Maori Wars were recalled by Mrs. P. 33. Ross, of Newmarket, who celebrated her 90th birthday yesterday. Born in Carlisle, Cumberland, Mrs. Ross, who was then Miss Douglas, came to New Zealand with her parents in the Helvellan in 186.'). On their arrival at Auckland the Douglas family shared a half-furnished house with another family and had many terrifying experiences. Mrs. Ross remembers that all food had to bo hidden, buried in tins in the ground surrounding the house, because of Maori marauders who were liable to enter any house and demand food. After her marriage to Mr. Ross, a mechanical engineer, Mrs. Ross went to England for about 18 months and after her return lived in a number of different New Zealand centres. She had 10 children of whom eight, five daughters and three sons, are living. Although her sight is not very strong, Mrs. Ross is exceedingly active for ljer age, and enjoys- knitting. Her time is well occupied for sho has 18 grandchildren and seven great-grand-children for whom to knit. Until recently Mrs. Ross lived at Ngaruawahia, but she is now with ono of her daughters, Mrs. A. G. Bishop, of Newmarket Road. A celebration party will bo held tomorrow night when it is expected that many members of the family and friends will be present.