OLD IDENTITIES AT SHOW

Southland Times, Issue 23998, 13 December 1939, Page 6

OLD IDENTITIES AT SHOW

MEN OF ADVANCED AGE SPRY AND ACTIVE AT 95 Among the keenest visitors to the Centennial Royal Show yesterday were a number of early pioneers of advanced age who were the guests of the Southland Agricultural and Pastoral Association in recognition of the part they had played in the development of New Zealand. A photograph of a group of these old identities appears on this page and their expressions indicate the pleasure they took in their visit to the show. In this group were two men 95 years of age and they certainly carried their age remarkably well, being active and energetic in their inspection of the show. One of these two naively told a reporter of The Southland Times that he believed he could still pass for 70 years of age. He had retired from the ministry at the age of 75, believing that he would have very few more years to live, but he had enjoyed 20 years of retirement and had made three trips round the world. The other was a colonist 90 years ago, having left the Old Country in 1850 to go to Australia. He was in the early Australian gold rushes and came, to New Zealand 77 years ago, settling at Centre Bush. He spent 50 years in farming and retired many years ago, being succeeded by several sons who are well known in Southland farming circles. The party and their ages were as follows:—Messrs H. Hubber (Invercargill) 80 years; M. Hishon (Invercargill) 95 years; the Rev. W. Hain (Kennington) 95, years; W. Sutherland (Seaward Downs) 80 years; G. Stewart (Gorge Road) 80 years; and R. K. Macdonald (Edendale) 74 years.