OLDEST MAN IN THE WORLD.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXII, Issue 4347, 25 November 1921, Page 1

OLDEST MAN IN THE WORLD.

* MARRIED WHEN 146 YEARS OLD. MR. W. T, JENNINGS’ STORY. Upon his return to New Zealand Mr W. T. Jennings, member for Waitomo, who has just made a tour of the world (including Turkey), related some interesting experiences. He tokl a story of an old Turk, Zaro, of Constantinople, who had recently married at the age of .146. In the lobbies of the House and in Bellamy’?, ■the story was discussed by members, astonishment and doubt alternating. Some sceptics went so far as to decry the authenticity of the story. Strange to say, the last mail brought the following confirmation: A special cable to the’ American papers from Paris, dated September 29, reported that Zaro, of Constantinople, aged 146, and “the oldest man in the world,” had married for the fourth time. This matured human relic had surrendered his heart to a beautiful Turkish girl aged 25. Among the attributes calculated to fit him for his new matrimonial venture is the development of a new set' of teeth and a fresh growth of hair at the blossoming age of 109. His internal economy had not been outdone, however, for it is stated that at 105 he had developed a third kidney. This evidence of unusual rejuvenation, one may assume, has not hampered him m continuing his occupation-as a porter in a munitions factory' a job he has held down since that period of callow youth when lie had barely attained 111 years.