NATIVE-BORN COLONISTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2503, 7 November 1922, Page 2

NATIVE-BORN COLONISTS.

OLDEST LIYIXG COUPLE

The distinction of being the oldest living married couple born in New Zealand apparently belongs to Mr and Mrs George Ilollard, of New Plymouth, both of whom are just over BO years of age (says the Taranaki News), Mr Hollard was born at Wellington on November 2G, 1842. His parents arrived from Britain at 'Wellington the year previously in the >hip Arab* After his marriage in 1802, he took up land in the Wairarapa and engaged in sheep and cattle farming, remaining in the district for 25 years. While there lie was instrumental, with Sir Walter Buchanan and several others, in founding the first co-operative dairy factory in the Dominion in the days before the introduction of the separator and refrigerator. During the Maori wars he was forced to leave his home and seek refuge in Wellington with his family.

Mrs Hollard was born at Wellington, on .June -23, 1841. Her father, the late Mr Charles William Keys, arrived with the ilrst survey party from the United Kingdom, in 183!), and married a daughter of Mr Charles Hunt, who arrived in the vessel following the survey ship. Mr Keys was the first, postmaster at Lower llutt. He lived to the age of 88 years and Mr - s Keys to the age of !12. Two of their surviving sons have retired from the Post and Telegraph Department on superanuotion.

Mr and Mrs Holland have three and seven daughters, all married.