EIGHTYSEVEN TODAY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 295, 15 December 1941, Page 4

EIGHTYSEVEN TODAY

MR. WILLIAM ARTHUR BRIGHTON IjONG RESIDENCE IN MANGANIC. Mi. Wi liam Arthur Brighton, ol Wangamn. celebrates his 87th. oirinday to-day. Born at Auck;and in IbJi. Mr. Brighton <ame to hw in Wanganui in 1889 and thus has completed more than had a century as a citizen of this city. Hr was for some yeaia engaged as lamiscr.jie gardener tor the late Mr. Barmcoal and latex in a sim:!ar position with tne late Mi. Peat. H»* was also for some yeais custodian of the Wanganui Bowling Club, when th«* green was situated neat the present Wanganui Club in St. Hill Street. Mr. Brighton recalls Ihe unique way in which the committee ot the »iub made its tina« selection of a custodian. The five applicants tor the position had to cut a portion of the green with a scythe, after which the -cutting macnine was run over the various cuts and the patch which showed the least amount of grass in the catcher was declared the winner. As Mr. Biighton was an expert with the scythe he secured the position. After many years of horticultural work, Mr. Brighton adopted a commercial career and was for aoout eight years town and country traveller for the late Mr. A. D. Wiiieand later for the Wanganui • Chronii le ’ Company. Ltd.

The older generation would remember Mr. Brighton as salesman for for I-achlan and Co., wholesale jewellers in Wanganui. In this capacity he walked many miles In lite city and surrounding district. Mr. Brighton now lives in retirement at h.s home in Halswell Siree: and his well kept garden is ample evidence of his activeness and continued love of horticulture. Mr. Brighton enjoys good health and has a retentive memory.