HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27387, 12 May 1950, Page 4

HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY

Mrs Elizabeth Kennard A HAPPY HOUSEHOLD From an early hour yesterday morning, a crowd of relatives, friends and telegraph boys called at number 18 Rutherford street, Caversham, on the occasion of Mrs Elizabeth Kennard s 100th birthday. The centenarian came through a strenuous day with flying colours and was undoubtedly the happiest of all the members of her family and her friends who thronged the house. Mrs Kennard received over 80 telegrams, which came in batches during the day. The most important was from t\e King and Queen. Signed by the King's private secretary, the telegram read: "The King and Queen are much interested to hear that you are celebrating your hundredth birthday and send to you hearty congratulations and good wishes.” Telegrams of congratulation were also received from the GovernorGeneral, Sir Bernard Freyberg,. and Lady Freyberg, the Prime Minister. Mr Holland, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr Bodkin, the member for the district, Mr F. Jones, M.P., Mr P. G. Connolly, M.P., Mr W. A. Hudson, M.P., the president of the Methodist Conference, the Rev. H. J. Odell, and the Grand Lodge of Freemasons, Wellington. The callers during the day included the Mayor and Mayoress, Sir Donald and. Lady Cameron. All of Mrs Kennard s descendants were present,■> except a son-in-law, Mr Arnold Baldwin, of Auckland. The descendants covered four generations, the youngest at the birthday party being Christine Kennard, a great grand-daughter, aged six years. One of the most touching tributes to Mrs Kennard on the attainment of her 100th birthday was a basket, most attractively filled with flowers and fruit, which was accompanied by a card bearing the signatures of every resident of Rutherford street and a photograph of Mrs Kennard’s house. The Rev. A. H. Ivory, of the Methodist Church, conducted a service at Mrs Kennard’s bedside. He read the 93rd Psalm, which is Mrs Kennard? favourite chapter in the Bible.