A DIAMOND WEDDING

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 16 June 1919, Page 4

A DIAMOND WEDDING

• - 1 CELEBRATED' IN -PALMERSTON. It is a -generally accepted axiom, originally laid down by Oliver Gold--sniith, that the men and, women who marry early in life and bring up large families “do more real service to the State than those who remain single and merely v alk about population. ”If that be so, and if the extent of this national service is to be estimated by numerical results, then a .worthy couple now resident in Palmerston North have a strong claim on the gratitude of -this country. The. couple are Mr and Mrs Prank Stephen Canning (parents of Mr K. Canning, of Otaki), at present staying with one of their sons-in-law, Mr M. S. McXieol, at his home in Chclwood street, where they celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of their wedding day. Mr and Mrs Canning have had : twelve children, eight daughters and j four sons, and of these eleven arc still ;in the land of the living. Ten of the j eleven arc married folks with children. and even grandchildren of tlicir own. ! The net result, so far, is a total addi- { tion to the population of 57 —11 children, 27; grandchildren, and lit greatj grandchildren —for whom Mr and Mrs [ Canning arc primarily, and proudly, responsible. They have indeed been of "real service to the (State.”

It was not expected, and scarcely possible, that all these descendants of the original stock should be,-able to assemble from different and widely distant parts' of the Dominion to do * honour to an occasion so memorable and so unique. About twenty, however, foregathered, paid their respects to the old folks who hold so high a place in their affectionate regard, and 'enjoyed a very happy re-union. It was . essentially a family-gathering, where cordiality reigned supreme. Music, dancing, games, and it variety of other diversions were included in the informal programme, but the dominating feature was the all-pervading spirit of kindliness and geniality. Surrounded by. their children and their children’s children, the happiness of Mr and Mrs Canning was unalloyed, and to all who wore there the occasion will ever remain a fond and cherished memory.

There wore presentations, of course. The eldest son, Mr William Canning, on behalf of his brothers and sisters, and Vernon Harwood, a grandson, on behalf of a later generation, made appropriate gifts, and Mr J. L. Harwood, a son-in-law, very feelingly responded for the old people. Many congratulatory telegrams were received, among those most appreciated being the following from the Mayor of Gore:—"On behalf of the citizens of Gore, congratulations to yourself and Mrs Canning c*i the attainment of your diamond wedding. Citizens have pleasant recollections of your services in assisting to lay the foundations of Gore. Kia ora—Andrew Martin. Mayor.” During his long colonial experiences Mr Canning has played various parts, each with credit to himself ami to the benefit of those with whom he. was associated. Born at Bath, in Somerset (Eng.), on June 5. IS4I, he came to Australia when eleven years of age, arriving in Melbourne on August 11, ISo2. Some years later he went to Perrola, in South Australia, and than to Xarrncoortc, where lie finished his apprenticeship to the joinery trade, ami where, on the Kith June, fSob, he was married to Jessie McMastcr (born at fort William, Scotland, in 1542), the lady who lias shared and still shares his joys and sorrows. A few months after their marriage Mr and Mrs Canning came to Xew Zealand, and for a time Mr Canning followed his trade as a joiner in Dunedin. The outbreak of the Gabriel’s Gully gold rush induced him to start carting teams between Dunedin and the field. Subsequently he engaged in farming at Otokaia (Otago), but was unsuccessful owing to the poor nature of the land, and then became associated with the commercial side of journalism. He was on the staff of the “Bruce Herald” in its very earliest days, and afterwards was business manager of the old “Otago Guardian” at the time it was edited by flint brilliant journalist, Mr R. J. Creighton, and when Xew Zealand’s national poet, Thomas Bracken, was on the commercial staff and still unknown to literary fame. Mr Canning afterwards became manager of the “Clutha Leader,”'and eventually, early in 1879. purchased the “Mutaura Ensign” from the late Mr John McKay, in later years the well-known Government Printer. Through his enterprise and vigour Mr ; Canning transferred the “Ensign’ into* a flourishing and influential journal. and laic! the foundation of the prosperity which has singe jtltended its fortunes. He also established a" auctioneering business in Gore, being the first “knight of the hammer” in that town. A year or two later he sold his private property/uni business interests in Gore, and has since been engaged in store-kc-eping at Stratford, Kaponga, s"ew Plymouth. Xormanby and Whakatane. Xow retired from active business, from the hurly-burly of endeavour and attainment. he is spending the evening of his davs in well-earned rest. Thar ;s

long period of peaceful happiness may yet be in store for him and his faithful helpmeet will be the sincere and heartft'jr wish of countless friends in every part of the Dominion.—‘' Palmerston Standard.’* . *