Happy Family Gathering for Mrs McFarlane's 102nd Birthday

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26773, 17 May 1948, Page 6

Happy Family Gathering for Mrs McFarlane's 102nd Birthday

Mrs Susan McFarlane, of Maitland street, celebrated her 102nd birthday on Saturday. She entered fully into the spirit of the occasion, greeting each of her numerous guests with a smile, a handshake and an appropriate remark, speaking over the air with the greatest of equanimity, and cheerfully walking outside to pose for photographers.

As has been the case for the past three years an “ invasion ” by members of the tramways staff, led by Motorman W. Summers and Inspector J. McTigue, was the big event of the day for Mrs McFarlane. The visitors came armed with good wishes, a large birthday cake, a cardigan and a pair of slippers. Mrs McFarlane expressed her appreciation of the action of the tramwaymen and was obviously annoyed when she found that her emotions had made it necessary for her to apply her handkerchief to her eyes.

When Mr Summers produced a bottle of brandy which had been sent by another friend the centenarian was surprised and pleased, but she refused to countenance the suggestion that she should have a birthday drink. “Why, I should be singing ‘Annie Laurie ’ with variations before I knew what had happened,” she said. One of the gifts she received was greeted with little'appreciation by Mrs McFarlane, although'-.members of her family were delighted. It was a framed cartoon showing Mrs McFarlane kick-’ ing a goal with a football marked 102 and bearing the caption: “ Great Scott! She’s done it again.” The recipient’s comment was, “You needn’t think I’m going to hang that old thing on my wall.”

On Saturday morning the Mayor, Mr Cameron, called at Mrs McFarlane’s home to convey his own congratulations and those of the city. In the afternoon Mr W. A. Hudson, M.P., and Mrs Hudson were among the many visitors. Mrs McFarlane received eight birthday cakes and a large number of presents. The numerous telegrams included one from the Prime Minister. Mr Fraser, and another from the Minister of Defence, Mr Jones. It was a particularly happy occasion for Mrs McFarlane, as representatives of several generations of her fivegeneration family were present and messages of congratulation poured in from those unable to attend the celebrations. Mrs McFarlane’s four surviving sons, Messrs Joseph and Norman (Dunedin), Herbert (Invercargill) and Andrew (West Coast) were able to spend the day with her. Her two daughters, one of whom lives in South Africa and the other in Whangarei, were unable to be present.