"LIKE LLOYD GEORGE."

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 226, 24 September 1929, Page 3

"LIKE LLOYD GEORGE."

AN ONEHUNGA NONAGENARIAtfMR. THOMAS EVANS. Mr. Thomas Evans, of Orey Street, Onehunga, is one of the many residents who are noted for their longevity. He will be 91 years of age on September 29 next. He is in good health and spirits. It has been remarked that Mr. Evans bears a strong resemblance to Mr. Lloyd George, with his flowing silvery locks and genial smile. One has only to converse with him a while to see another likeness to the great Liberal statesman, and that is in his diplomacy in answering hard questions. Mr. Evans was born in Wales, but he was taken to England by his parents when a child. Prosperity followed him when he started in business as a boot manufacturer at Burton-on-Trent, where, in addition to supplying the trade, he carried on a flourishing retail business. Mr. and Mrs. Evans were married on July 13, 1863, at Bilston Church, in Wolverhampton, Staffordshire. They came to New Zealand with their three sons and two daughters, arriving at Wellington on Novemer 9, 1883. They came straight on to Auckland, where Mr. Evans immediately opened a bootshop in Karangahape Road, and continued therein for seven years. Then, owing to failing health, he sold out and went farming at Waitakere, where he worked hard for 20 years. After disposing of that property Mr. and Mrs. Evans went to reside at Onehunga. Mr. and Mrs. Evans celebrated their golden wedding 16 years ago at Onehunga, and their diamond jubilee 10 years later at the residence of their son, Mr. W. Evans, in Auckland. Mrs. Evans, who is the picture of good health, will be 86 next November if all goes well. Her sister, Mrs. Holcroft, who acted as her bridesmaid, is still alive, and resides at Wolverhampton, in England. There will be the usual birthday celebration on September 29, when the children will foregather at their parents' home, 92, Grey Street East, Onehunga.