MANY HAPPY RETURNS

Hokitika Guardian, 22 September 1931, Page 4

MANY HAPPY RETURNS

ON 90th BIRTHDAY

TO HENRY KARNBACH

On Sunday from Greymouth, Hokitika and all parts of Kokatahi and Kolterangi friends gathered at the homestead, Lower. Kokatahi, of a worthy settler, Mr Henry Karnbach. who celebrated his 90th birthday. ‘ _ - Besides friends Ml', Kkriibach Was happy in having quite a number of h:s family With him—Ml* Henry Ivartlbach •from Christchurch, Mesdames Stapleton, Jones. iHende, Morris and F, Amberger, The last named has been keeping house for him for many years. The birthday cak? was auite a feature of the day. Over a hundred visitors partook, during the morning, afternoon and evening of his generous hospitality. Many grandchildren kept the place lively with their young faces and bright voices. With many anecdotes of the . .eaily days, the old gentleman, having a. wonderful memory, kept his visitors entertained a.? he was able to go back to the early days of Westland and Kokatahi. Mr Karnbach caused quite an amount of merriment as he recounted some of his experiences when he landed m Australia with very few words of English. Now he has to think awh.de to talk his native language. However he had a good trade and plenty of energy, and soon won his way. Mr Karnbach came later to New Zealand; and soon .found his way to the West Coast where lie entered into partnership with the late H. G. Diedrichs and settled in Kokatahi where he has resided ever since, the partnership proving very successful in cattle raising a»d dealing all over the For some time Mr Karnbach has been confined to his chair, but he is always lively and cheery and ready for a talk with his numerous friends, who will join with us in expressing best wishes for many happy returns of the day.