FIFTY YEARS WED.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18309, 21 April 1931, Page 5

FIFTY YEARS WED.

MAJOR AND MRS J. B. WHYTE. Relatives from- far and near gathered at the Masonic Hall, Claudelands, last Thursday, to congratulate Major J. B. Whyte and Mrs Whyte on the golden anniversary of their wedding. The gathering was presided over bv His Worship the Mayor,'Mr J. R. Fow. A native of Glasgow, Major Whyte, who is 73 years of age, is hale and hearty, and possesses the vigour of a much younger man. He came to New Zealand with his parents as a child. Mrs Whyte, who is 68 years of age, is a native of Staffordshire and came to this country at the age of three. The couple w'ere married in Christchurch, and, before coming to Waikato, lived in Sydenham, Canterbury, and Pahiatua. They have resided in the Waikato for twenty years. For some years Major Whyte farmed in the Morrinsville district, but for the past 12 years has been living in retirement at Claudelands.

Major Whyte served in the South African war, going away with the sth Canterbury contingent. He was promoted to tlie rank of captain and received the Queen’s medal and live bars. In the Great War, Major Whyte again saw service. He was awarded the D. 5.0., and lias now seven medals, including the long service decoration. .

Both Major and Airs Whyte are in excellent health and look many years younger than their ages. They entered into the festivities with enthusiasm and remained until the close, at an early hour on Friday morning. The members of the family are Air E J. Whyte, of Katikali; S. W. Whyte, of Hawera; Air G. 11. Whyte, of Te Awamutu; Airs Z. Boyden, of Foxton; Airs W. Boyden, Dannevirke; Airs A. Mills, of Hamilton; and Airs E. AI. Finlay, of Hamilton. There are 15 grandchildren.