80TH BIRTHDAY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18068, 20 April 1933, Page 11

80TH BIRTHDAY

MR. A. J. COOPER HONORED

Celbbrating his eightieth anniversary yesterdriy, Mr. A. J. Cooper, Palinerstoh load, was the guest in hie own home at a surprise party arranged by representatives of many of Gisborne ’s pioneer families. Many of those present could recall associations with Mr. Cooper for over 50 years, hd hdving taken up his residence in Gisborne in 1874. Mr. B. Eobb, on behalf of those gathered for the occasion, wished Mr. Cooper a speedy return to full health, and many years of happy retirement to come. Thb evening Was spent mainly in reminiscence of the early days in the district, and one anecdote, concerning an early fire in which Mr. hooper’s establishment was roused much merriment. The story was to the effect that a fire broke out in Lowe street, Stevenson’s stables being consumed, and Mr. Cooper’s shop and dwelling, comprising three onc-roomed apartments on sledge runners placed efid td end, beirig in irimrihent risk, when a practical man in the crowd made a suggestion. The fruits of this were that long ropes were obtained, and passed round each section of Mr. Cooper's promises in turn, the three cottages being dragged out into the ihiddfe of Lowe stroet, clear of the fire danger. As a sequel, Mr. Cooper was required next day, by officers of the newly-constituted municipality of Gisborne, to rcmOvp tho obstruction fldm the street, The narration .of the incident, the details of which Were verified by Mr. Cooper himself, recalled other episodes of the early days, and a happy evening was spebfc in tholr relation. A hearty slipper, at which the feature was a handsome birthday cake prepared by Mr. Cooper’s daughter, brought a pleasant femur)rr to d cld'So;