95TH BIRTHDAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23083, 7 July 1938, Page 3

95TH BIRTHDAY

MRS. MARY E. COX SKILLED AMATEUR ARTIST 57 YEARS IN NEW ZEALAND

I*ormorly well known at Northcote, and now living at Norman's Hill, Onehunga, Mrs. Mar.v Flizabeth Cox, widow of the late Mr. William Cox, will celebrate lior Moth birthday to-day. Mrs. Cox was born at Southampton, F,upland, on July 7, 18-I.'}, and came to Now Zealand in the sailing ship Rakaia in 1881.

Lack of experience caused Mr. and Mrs. Cox to abandon their intention of tanning in New Zealand, and instead they opened a shop in Pitt Street. This, however, was not a success, and Mr. Cox found employment as an accountant. He died 15 years ago. Apart from about .seven years spent in Coromandel, Mrs. Cox lias lived in Auckland for the last 50 years. She is an amateur painter in oils, her teacher

being the father of the famous Herkonier. Her last three pictures were painted 18 months ago. Airs. Cox is a keen reader and enjoys good health. Both Air. and Airs. Cox were active Sunday school workers in the Beresford Street and Alount Eden Congregational Churches. Airs. Cox is still a member at Beresford Street. There were five children. Three daughters living are Aliss Cox, Airs. S. J. Potter, of Onehunga, and Airs. H. E. Ramsay, of Hankow, China. There are 12 grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren.