SEVENTY YEARS IN NEW ZEALAND.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1015, 5 March 1912, Page 3

SEVENTY YEARS IN NEW ZEALAND.

Greytowu has a very old colonist in their midst, in the person of Mrs Samuel Maxton, who left England in October, 1841, and landed in Wellington on the Ist of March, 1842, from the good ship Birman, Captain Cleland in charge, and Dr. Motherwell as Medical Officer. Thus this old colonist has seen 70 years of pioneer life in this Dominion' During this time, she has seen many ot the trials of colonial life, more particularly of the early days when the Maoris were so troublesome, and one’s life was in one’s hands, so to speak. According to the Greytowu Standard, it is quite interesting to have a chat with the old lady, who is now in her 85th year, and whose memory is as fresh as ever. Mrs Maxton, alter living in Wellington City for a number of years, came to the Wairarapa over 36 years ago, and has seen the district gradually grow and become a very important factor in the Dominion. At the present time Mrs Maxton has some 48 grand children and over 50 great-graud-childreu, who are scattered over a wide area. We must congratulate Mrs Maxton, who is confined to the house, through sciatica, upon her general good health and her conversational powers, lor having read a great deal she can discuss many subjects with her visitors. Mrs Maxton at her great age, can do fine crochet work that would put many a younger person to shame and has periodically taken prizes at our local shows for her beautiful crochet work.