GOLDEN WEDDING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 809, 8 February 1910, Page 3

GOLDEN WEDDING.

To morrow Mr and Mrs John Procter, of Jenks Street, celebrate their golden wedding —fifty years of married life spent principally in New Zealand. The old couple were married in St. Mary s parish Church, Lancaster, by the Rev. Jas. Turner, vicar, on February gth, iB6O. Australia held out brighter prospects for the young carpenter and joiner, and accompanied by his wife, he bade farewell to the Old Land and arrived in Melbourne in June, iB6O. Mining, as a new chnm,.cost him 300 bright sovereigns and, being disheartened, he was advised to settle in New Zealand —as a special inducement he was informed that the war was on. Accompanied by his wife, sister and brother-in law and the latter’s two children, he crossed the Tasman Sea and lauded in Picton In March 1861, “ with,” he remarked, “ five shillings in my pocket.” He soon got work at his trade and enlisted in the militia and was appointed bugler. His only regret was that the militia was not called out during the Taranaki war as he was anxious to see active service and his married state precluded his joining the active force. He started sawmilling in Havelock and continued at that for four years, afterwards removing down the sounds to Mataroa where he continued milling. He subsequently removed to Wellington and arrived in Foxtou in 1576 to build Whyte’s Hotel. For many years he followed his calling as a builder throughout the Manawatu and Rangitikei districts until old age and rheumatics called a halt. Mr and Mrs Procter are enjoying comparatively good health. The old couple have six sons and three daughters living and married, 49 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. We feel sure our readers will endorse our hearty congratulations and good wishes to the old couple.