TAIERI MOUTH VETERAN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20317, 27 January 1928, Page 6

TAIERI MOUTH VETERAN.

MR S. E. GREEN HONOUREL To be hale and heariv at the age tn 90 is the happy lot cu Samuel Green of Taieri Mouth. His birthday was last Monday, and the local residents and many friends from Dunedin and elsewhere celebrated the occasion in the local hall Mr W. R. Brugh occupied the chair. The first part of the evening was devoted to a progressive euchre tournament, the prizes being won by Miss A. Kirkland and Mr G. ■ Mlntosh The consolation prizes went to Miss C. Scudamore and Mr George Green. The prize were presented by Mr Bigwood. Amongst the relatives present were Mr and Mrs Einlayson (Clutha), Mr and Mrs George Green (Balclutha), Mr Ac Green, and Miss Joan Green. The Chairman, in making the presentation, referred to the high esteem in which Mr Green was held, and not only Mr Green himself but the members of his family. The years had bent Mr Green’s figure a trifle, but his intellect and energy had hardly been impaired. Amidst laughter Mr Brugh announced that he had not even lost the merry twinkle in his eye.” One of Mr Green’s accomplishments had been his artistic work with brush and canvas, and majiy residents held in their possession, . with no small amount of pride, paintings of local scenes, the work of their guest. All joined in wishing him “ many happy returns,” and hoped he would be spared to reach the century. Many men, said the speaker, were young at 50, many were feeling a trifle old at 70, but- Mr Green, while not altogether possessiing the secret of perpetual youth, was ” evergreen at 90.’ —(Applause.) At this the audience arose and sang lustily ‘‘For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” and cheered Mr Green again and again. In conclusion, the chairman acknowledged the good work of Mr Green in the district throughout his long life. He wished there were many more like him, and Taieri Mouth would then take its place on the map of New Zealand. He hoped their two gifts—a chair and 'the Mosgiel rug—would prove useful to him, and" would always remind him not only of his friends, but of the high esteem in which he was held.—(Applause.) Mr John S. Joseph added his congratunations, and spoke of the good feeling that had always existed between Mr Green and the other residents of the district.

Mr P. J. Priest, as one of the earliest visitors to Taieri Mouth, said it gave nim much pleasure to have the opportunity of being present at the celebration of the ninetieth anniversary of the birthday of his old and esteemed friend, Mr Green. He referred to the hospitality extended to visitors by the residents of Taieri Beach as far back as 1887, and mentioned several of the old pioneers who had done such good work for the district in the early days. These included Samuel Green, Antonio Joseph, John Knarston, Archie and the Misses Livingstone. William Jeffreys, M'Ouddan, Dugald and Mrs Campbell, Ned Palmer (the old punt man), and others. The Rev. Mr Harkness spoke of the good qualities of Mr Green, and gave some interesting reminiscences of the early days. Dir H. W. Allan presented Mr Green with an ebony ,walking stick from a few special city friends. He expressed the wish that the recipient would be spared many years to use it. Mr Green, in reply, acknowledged the kind remarks of the speakers, the good wishes of eo many friends, and the valuable gifts. He made no secret of his joy in being spared to see his ninetieth birthday, and thanked God for it. If he could only maintain the health ho possessed at present the century would be assured.—(Applause.) He then lapsed into reminiscent strain, and told soma interesting tales of the early settlement around Waihola and Taieri Month. Before closing he renewed his expressions of gratitude for all that had been done for him.—(Applause.) During the evening songs were given by Mrs Gladding and Miss Rena Marshall, two recitations by Master Graham Rotting, and a humorous story was told by Mr H. Wren. An excellent supper was served by the ladies, after which in enjoyable dance was held.