MEETING OF THREE CENTENARIANS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26731, 29 March 1948, Page 4

MEETING OF THREE CENTENARIANS

Unprecedented Gathering At Waikouaiti

MRS WILLIAMSON’S BIRTHDAY

Probably for the first time in the history of the world, three centenarians met over the week-end, when Dunedin’s Mrs Susan McFarlane and Auckland’s Mrs O. Nielsen travelled by car to Waikouaiti to extend birthday greetings to Mrs George Williamson who was 100 years old yesterday. The combined ages of the three women totalled 302 years, and as they sat and talked animatedly to one another they made a memorable picture. The meeting was all the more remarkable for the fact that it took place in Otago’s centennial year.

As soon as it was suggested to Mrs McFarlane and Mrs Nielsen by the Daily Times that they should go by taxi to Waikouaiti to convey to Mrs Williamson their personal greetings, they were both delighted at the thought. In fact, long before the taxi called they were both ready for the journey. Mrs McFarlane was a little apprehensive that the trip mignt not take place, and told her companion for the aiternoon that she would be bitterly disappointed if she did not go. When the taxi did arrive she went on a final tour of inspection to see that the house was properly locked, for it had been roooed uefore during her absence from home. All was well, and soon she was in the car driving through the city streets and admiring the decorations and picking out the principal buildings. Mr and Mrs Nielsen were also ready for the journey, and both were keenly looking forward to the drive. Mrs Nielsen gave a quick resume of her activities of the past few days as she made her way to the waiting taxi. Mrs McFarlane was not greatly impressed when she heard that Mrs Nielsen had been to the Early Settlers’ ball and had had five dances. In fact, she even murmured that she “ should have had more sense at her age,” and that she herself had been refusing all invitations to go out at night for many years' past. But much as they enjoyed the drive in an American sedan of the latest model, it was of the coming meeting that they were thinking as the miles passed. They were excited when the car pulled up outside the home where Mr and Mrs Williamson have lived for nearly 70 years. It was quickly apparent that a warm welcome awaited the two centenarians, and soon they were being shown into the room where the “ birthday girl ” awaited them.

Mrs Williamson was in bed and taking the great occasion very quietly. She has been troubled , with rheumatism lately, and only occasionally does she get up and dress. She still has good hearing and sight, and in her own placid way enjoys life to the full. With her white hair carefully brushed and wearing a soft pink bedjacket, Mrs Williamson smiled a welcome to her fellow-centenarians, who both greeted her as if they had known her for years.

Miss B. Williamson, who lives at home and looks after her mother, helped the two guests into chairs beside the bed and told them that her mother had received a cablegram from the King congratulating her on attaining her hundredth birthday. “ I had a cablegram from the King, too," said Mrs Nielsen, “and Princess Elizabeth wrote me such a lovely letter.” “ Mother must have got about 40 cablegrams and telegrams, including one from the Mayor of Dunedin, Mr Cameron, and from a former Mayor of Oamaru, Mr J. C. Kirkness,” Miss Williamson continued quietly. “ I’ve shaken hands with Mr Cameron.” Mrs Nielsen said. “On my last birthday I broke all records in the way of messages. I must have received over 140 that day.” Mrs McFarlane and Mrs Williamson were soon going back over the years and talking of the work they had done and the families they had raised. Mrs McFarlane was telling her hostess her favourite joke, how three of her children had been born in gaol, and Mrs Williamson was explaining what joy her family had always brought her. “ I still do nearly all my work,” Mrs McFarlane said, “ but 1 can’t bend down. I’ve had some bad falls and brokeri bones.” Longevity in the Family Miss Williamson mentioned a cousin of her mother's at Saw.yers’ Bay who was 92. A short time ago she broke her leg and went to hospital. The fracture mended and she returned home and still does her own work. “I had a girl who used to help me but she had to go to hospital and finished up in the cemetery,” Mrs McFarlane put in, "I had another but she took to the booze. You can't get help to-day,” she added, shaking her head. “ I do all my own work,” Mrs Nielsen said’ “ Look at my hands,” she added, peeling off her gloves. For a few moments there was a general comparison of hands—three pairs of hands over 100 years old that had done a great deal of hard toil in difficult days. “And what’s your recipe for living to 100? ” each of the centenarians was asked in turn. » “Plain living and high thinking," said Mrs Williamson. “ I am verythankful for everything that has been

done for me and for having my children. I've always felt that I would rather have my family than any riches.” Mrs McFarlane nodded in agreement. “My Joe's a good boy to me,” she said. Then prompted to give her recipe for longevity she chuckled. “Plenty of hard work,” she suggested. “ I have always taken care of the sick and helped the poor.” said Mrs Nielsen, “ and I feel that God has spared me to carry on my work. I believe in good natural food; none of this tinned stuff and sweet things.” Afternoon Tea is Served Miss Williamson announced that afternoon tea was ready in the next room and tne two visiting centenarians began to say their farewells. Mrs McFarlane pressed a little package of peppermints and chocolate into Mrs Williamson's hand—“ it was all she had had time to get together.” “ Hurry up and get out of that bed and come in and see me in Maitland street,” she told Mrs Williamson. “ You’re looking lovely and I hope you have many more birthdays.” Mrs Nielsen added her good wishes and the pair went out to have their afternoon tea, One of the birthday cakes was cut and both enjoyed their afternoon tea thoroughly. While Mrs Nielsen talked of the good time she had had at the ball and during her stay in Dunedin, Mrs McFarlane found that one of Mrs Williamson’s sons-in-law knew her son in * Invercargill and they had a long chat.

Beautiful bunches of flowers were everywhere in the house, sent by Mrs Williamson's many friends. All her family—Mrs B. Brown, Mr William Williamson, Mrs F. J. Wood (Geraldine), Mrs M. HenderSon. Mr G. Williamson, jun, Miss B. Williamson, and Mrs J. Kennedy (Invercargill)—were present for the birthday and Mr Williamson took,.£ proud interest in the celebration, too. The whole family seemed to enjoy the visit of the two centenarians, for they realised that it was a unique meeting. “All you boys and girls look after yourselves and you’ll live as long as I,” said Mrs McFarlane as she said goodbye, “And look what a trouble you'll be to someone!" she added.

The unusual gathering of centenarians was over. The one who was born in Scotland was returning to Dunedin; the one born in England was shortly returning to Auckland; and the former Shetland Islander was remaining in her attractive little home at Waikouaiti. In a few minutes' conversation the new centenarian and her guests had become friends.

The journey back to Dunedin was uneventful, except that both centenarians were enthusiastic about their outing. “ It's been a lovely drive and I have enjoyed myself,” said Mrs Nielsen as she said goodbye. “ I wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” commented Mrs McFarlane as she left the taxi in Maitland street. “ I wish there were more people having their hundredth birthday.” Perhaps her wish will come true, for in nearby Melville street Mrs Anne Thomson will be 100 in October next and Mrs McFarlane at the age of 102 may be able to attend another hundredth birthday.