FIFTY YEARS WED

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19892, 21 March 1939, Page 16

FIFTY YEARS WED

GISBORNE COUPLE VETERAN FIREMAN CELEBRATION Y ES'f ERDAY Fifty years happily married is the proud record of Mr. and Mrs. William Henry Wildish, a well-known and respected Gisborne couple, who received widespread congratulations on this anniversary of their wedding yesterday. Mr. Wildish came to the Dominion from England in 1874, residing firstly in Port Chalmers. Fifty years ago yesterday he married Miss Elizabeth Madden, the couple later taking Up residence in Gisborne. where all their family has been born and reared. Mr. Wildish. a saddler by trade, is well known by reason of his long years of service in the ranks of the fire brigade. Joining the fire-fighters shortly after arrival from the Old Country, Mr. Wildish had a long and active career as a brigadesman, which ended when he retired a short time ago after 33 years' service. His work in this direction has had its-appeal,-for the members of his family, and one of his sons, Mr. Frank Wildish, has been a well-known and valuable member of the Gisborne brigade for some years. Former Prominent Athlete In the field of sport also Mr. Wildish is well known. In his younger days he was a keen and prominent Rugby player in the South Island, while his athletic activities in Gisborne were principally centred around the fortunes of the Poverty Bay Rowing Club, of which he was a prominent and hard-working member. In this direction. also heredity has' played a big part, as his sons have worn the white and black livery of the club. In his business capacity, the services of Mr. Wildish have been keenly sought after, and his long connection with the saddlery trade locally has served to increase his wide circle of friends. Although not so widely known as her husband, Mrs. Wildish, too, has made many friends during her many years of residence in Gisborne, her quiet, unassuming manner making-her very popular with all'with whom she came into contact. The celebrant is a brother of Mr. George Wildish, well known and respected a s Mayor of Gisborne for many years. Sisters are Mrs. James Morrison, Stout street, and Mrs. L Lowndes, London. Three nephews of Mr. Wildish, Messrs. Noble, Colin and Roy Lowndes, a trio well known in Gisborne, are also in London. Both Mrs. Wildish, who is 70 years of age, and her husband, who will be 71 next month, have maintained excellent health throughout the years, and both carry their ages remarkably well. A function will be held in their honour on Saturday night and they have been the recipients of numerous congratulatory messages.