Raetihi family help couple celebrate 50 years

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 637, 21 May 1996, Page 5

Raetihi family help couple celebrate 50 years

Silvia and Jack Condon celebrated 50 years of married life last Wednesday. Family and friends popped

in to congratulate Silvia and Jack and help celebrate their golden weeding anniversary on a quiet but happy

note and the grandchildren organised a luncheon at the Condon home. Silvia was a Haupapa

from this area and grew up at Mangamingi/Pakahi. "Socials and dances were very popular in those days — often the only socialising there was in the area," remembers Silvia. "It was at one such dance that I met Jack. My family kept an . eye on me and wanted to know more about this young fella from Pipiriki." They were married in a registry office in Ohakune in a double wedding, Silvia' s brother Andrew got married at the same time, just before going into the army. Silvia and Jack had 16 children with three having died. They have many grandchildren and as Silvia said, "I' ve lost count of great grand-children". When asked what keeps them young and still looking great Silvia said "Jack is still shearing and I am still cooking for shearers and I suppose it's our children and grand-children that keep us on our toes". Silvia and Jack live in Duncan Street, Raetihi and have done so fOr 27 years. Before that they lived in Makaranui and Mangarewa. They both love gardening though it seems there is debate in the family as to which one is the expert!