GOLDEN WEDDINGS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 376, 9 June 1928, Page 20

GOLDEN WEDDINGS

MR. AND MRS. J. W. MARTIN

Brothers and sisters who had not seen each other or their parents for about 16 years met at a delightful function at Nairn’s Tea-rooms last evening, when Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Martin celebrated the golden anniversary of their wedding. Both New Zealand-born folk, Mr. and Mrs. Martin have many interesting memories of the early days of the colonies. For some 50 years they lived in the Northern Wairoa, at Te Kopuru, Mr. Martin being employed throughout that time at the Kauri Timber Company’s mills. Although Mr. Martin is now 71 years of age, he is still actively employed and enjoys the best of health. In his younger days he was one of the best-known athletes in the Northern Wairoa, and many trophies testify to his prowess at rowing, running, and other sports. Mrs. Martin, who is 66 years of age, also enjoys excellent health, due, she affirms, to the vigorous life she has always led. When they first went to the Wairoa Mr. Martin preceded her by some weeks, and when she went to join him, more than 60 miles of the journey she had to undertake on foot, as there was then no other way of getting into the little-cultivated northern district. Mrs. Martin, who was born in Auckland ,now lives here with her husband, their home being in Leamington Road, Mount Eden. Huia was Mr. Martin’s birthplace. Fourteen children were born of the marriage, and they #re all alive. There are also 38 grandchildren. Last evening, at the golden wedding celebration, Mrs. Martin was attractively gowned in black taffeta, softly touched with ecru lace at the neck and wrists. A beautiful wedding bell hung in the centre of the room, and tall vases of flame-coloured poppies made bright decorations. Among those present were: Mrs. Olliver, Mrs. Hudson, Mrs. Skipper, Mrs. Spanake, Mrs. Vaile, Miss Martin (all daughters), Mrs. Olsen, Mrs. Foreman, Mrs. Shepherd, Mrs. Clay, Mrs. Hutchinson, Mrs. Redfern, Mrs. Hulcrow, Mrs. Henderson, Mrs. Phelan, Mrs. G. Martin, Mrs. Ted Martin, Mrs. Tom Martin, Mrs. Grogan ,Mrs. Starkey, Mrs. Fred Olsen, Mrs. Vaine, senior, Miss West, Miss Spanake, Miss Clay, Miss Vaile, Miss Betts, Miss WTlkinson (Opotiki).