101 TO-MORROW

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23691, 24 December 1938, Page 17

101 TO-MORROW

MRS LOUISA REASON A WONDERFUL OLD.LADY "The nicest things you can say won't be worthy of 'Gran,'" remarked Matron G. Barclay, of the Central Mission Health Home at Company's Bay when talking with an Otago Daily Times representative yesterday about Mrs Louisa Reason. Mrs Reason is starting on her second century, having been born at Faringdon, Berkshire, England, on Christmas Day 101 years ago. There are many remarkable old people in New Zealand and a large number in Dunedin; but Mrs Reason must be given pride of place in this province at anv rate as the most wonderful old lady of them all. The matron

and her staff at the home are extremely proud of her and regard it as a privilege to be associated with her. "We can't express what we think about her," the matron said. " She is as alert and full of life and humour as any of us, and she takes the greatest possible interest in everything. Her concern for the 'family' at the home is great, and again this Christmas she has remembered every one of us." Mrs Reason has been receiving congratulatory messages from all parts of the Dominion and from overseas, and she is able to remember and talk freely about everybody who has sent one to her. She still reads her paper every day, and gets up in the afternoons for her "constitutional." She is keenly looking forward to her party to-morrow, and no doubt will be delighted with the little surprises that have been prepared for her. Those who find it a breathtaking proceeding to blow out a comparatively small number of candles might not be as anxious as she is to blow the flames off 101 candles. . Considering her years, Mrs Reason is in. wonderful health. A slight cough sometimes worries her a little, but she enjoys life, and yesterday was looking forward with great enthusiasm to still'another birthday.