OVER THE CENTURY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22834, 19 March 1936, Page 7

OVER THE CENTURY

OLDEST MAN IN DOMINION PRESCRIPTION FOR LONGEVITY In a little concrete cottage on the main road to Mount Cook, about three miles from Pleasant Point, South Canterbury, Mr Patrick Lucas Hamilton, who is probably the oldest man in the Dominion, celebrated his 106th birthday on Tuesday in the quiet manner in which he has always lived. Born in County Donegal, Ireland, on St. Patrick's Day, in the reign of William IV„ Mr Hamilton came to New Zealand, landing at Lyttelton in 1870, and soon afterwards went to the Waitohi district, South Canterbury. After spending three years there he removed to his present property, on which he has lived eveir since. "Why should I want to leave this place?" he said to a representative of the Christchurch Press, who called on him. "It is a healthy district, and I have never had a day's illness in my life, nor have I ever been attended by a doctor,, except for slight injuries." When the interviewer called the centenarian had gone to lie down, but he soon appeared and, seating himself in an easy chair presented to him by members of his family six years ago, on the attainment of his 100th birthday, announced himself as being ready to answer questions. REMARKABLY ACTIVE. Mr Hamilton is a remarkably well preserved man for his years. He is slightly stooped and the only assistance he requires when walking is a stick. He has a full head of white hair and his complexion is healthy. He can talk intelligently on various subjects, and certainly there are no outward signs of senility about him. , A man of regular habits, he rose on Tuesday at his usual hour of 6 a.m., making no change in his daily routine to celebrate his birthday. Around the door of the house he occupies lilacs and Toses are growing, and a well-kept orchard and hedges, grown by Mr Hamilton, testify to the energy find foresight displayed by him in his earlier years. The house, which is one of the oldest in the Pleasant Point district, was built by him for his wife, who came to New Zealand from Ireland to marry him. On her arrival in the Beautiful Star she was met by her prospective husband and her own brother, who accompanied her to South Canterbury in one of Cobb and Co.'s coaches, at that time the most comfortable means of transport available. Early in their married life at Pleasant Point the young couple occupied a wooden house, but an earthquake and a strong north-westerly gale forced them to go outside to a tuesocky paddock. Mrs Hamilton died some years ago, and wasi buried in the Pleasant Point Cemetery, which may be seen from the house.

More than 20 years ago Mr Hamilton gave up smoking, having been told by a doctor lie had consulted about his eyesight that it might have been affected by smoking. " I came straight' home and broke up my pipe," he said in answer to the interviewer, "and I have never touched tobacco since." Mr Hamiltou is a total abstainer and he has made a rule always to leave the table feeling that he could eat a little more. OPPOSED TO PAMPERING.

The comforts of modern civilisation do not appeal to Mr Hamilton, who is opposed to pampering iu any form. Every day of his life he' has washed in cold water, and his bath, too, is a cold one. As for a hot-water bottle, he has never used one and he says he never will. A fit man yet in spite of his years, he is proud of the manner in which he can use a spade and is willing to try conclusions with a man anywhere near his own age at digging. Although, naturally, his eyesight is not so good as it once was, he is still a keen reader and by this meaus keeps himself abreast of the world's doings. His hearing is such that he is able to set his clock every night by the Pleasant Point town clock, three miles away, the striking of which is quite audible to him.

Mr Hamilton believes that he is the oldest man alive in New Zealand and says that he has every intention of living for many years yet. When asked if lie would like to outlive the Turk Zara Aga, who at the time of his death was reputed to be the oldest man in the world, Mr Hamilton said he was aware of no reason why he should not do so. The celebrations on Tuesday were confined to his family, who assembled to wish him many happy returns of his birthday. A large number of messages and telegrams of congratulation were also received by Mr Hamilton. He cut his owe birthday cake, which \v.a« crowned by six candles, one for each year of his life in excess of 100.