BRITAIN'S OLDEST TWINS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 425, 17 November 1930, Page 2

BRITAIN'S OLDEST TWINS

JOLLY BROTHERS’ JOKES PLEASANTRIES AT 87 OR 88. “I be 88,’’ said Air Frank Alills recently. “No, 87,” said Airs Alills. “I. think I be 88,” said Air Alills, stubbornly. “Well.” said his sweet little wife, soothingly. “Robert has the certificate. He’ll be able to say for sure.’’ Robert ami Frank Alills are claimed to be the oldest living twins in England. Certainly there are none more delight l ul. Frank lives at Hastingleigh. Kobert lives at Sellindge, both tiny villages out in the Kentish hills.

“Sellindge be seven miles away,” said Frank, “so wo don’t see each other often.” When they do the.v are as happy together as boys. Both are animated b.v two passions—work and horses.

Robert, in addition, has the gift of a sublime deafness, which is one of the joys of his happy life. He talks heartily ami hears nothing, except when he wants to. Robert scarcely ever has his pipe out of his mouth. Frank has never touched tobacco. “Smoking loads to the drinking,” he warned an interviewer solemnly. At 87 (or S 8) each twines still trying to convert lhe other. This is what happens when they meet: ‘‘A'e’re not looking so grand.’’ says the hearty Robert. “Vo should take a pipe o’ baccy now and then. It’d do ye good.” “No, no.” says Frank. “If you was to stop sinoking. ve wouldn't bo so lean as ye are. A’o'll die if ye go on wi’ it.” “Ay, but the cherries i-n't doing so well.” replips Robert, whereupon the whole family has a good laugh, in which Robert joins, ami somi'body taet- !’• llv brings nut lhe dominees. Airs Arrowsmith of Uongleton. ami Airs Hammond, of Tunstall, who wore born on January 18. 1813. are 87. and thus are about the same age as Frank and Robert Mills. f Airs Ellen Street ami her sister. Miss Catherine Carter, of Slough, recently claimed to be among the oldest living twins in England. 'l'hev wore born in London, on July 3. 1819. so that they are 81. years old. Airs Street was born at four in the morning, and her sister an hour later.