Diamond Jubilee

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 539, 17 December 1928, Page 16

Diamond Jubilee

Old Couple Recalls City’s Earlier Days BULLOCKS IN QUEEN STREET Bullock wagons passing down Queen Street Mr. George Douglas Hardy, of Bollard Street, Avondale, remembers them distinctly. To-day, Mr. and Mrs. Hardy are celebrating the diamond jubilee of their wedding. They were married in Auckland by the late Rev. Dr. Wallis. Mrs. Hardy was Miss Elizabeth Middlebrook. She was born in Yorkshire, and came to New Zealand in 1862 on tlie ship ohalimar. Mr. Hardy was born S 3 years ago at Troon, Scotland, and came to New Zealand in 1865 on the ship Armstrong. He knew life on an intercolonial trader. For two years he sailed between Australia and New Zealand, but became tired of a seafaring life. He then became an attendant at the Auckland Mental Hospital.. The hospital occupied its present site in the early- days, and, when Mr. Hardy joined, had about 200 patients. He visited the hospital a day or so ago and was amazed at the improvements. Mr. Hardy was connected with the hospital in the days of provincial government, there was no resident doctor. After some years, the Colonial Treasurer appointed him head attendant, a position which then meant practically sole charge of the hospital. A doctor called every afternoon. Apart from these visits, there was no supervision of Mr. Hardy’s work. He retired after 20 years at the hospital and entered business, which he left 20 years ago.

Air. and Airs. Hardy were among Avondale’s first residents. When they settled there the only ways of reaching the city were by foot or horseback. Mr. Hardy was a prominent Alason. He is a past-grand-master of the Newton Alark Lodgr : t and of Lodge Eden. All*, and Airs. Hardy have three sons and three daughters living. There are 24 grandchildren • and 14 great-grand-children. GOLDEN WEDDING MR. AND MRS. C. A. WOOD It is 50 years since Mr. and Airs. Claremont Africa Wood, of Te Roma, King Edward Parade, Devonport, were married by the Rev. R. Laishley, at Thames. They celebrated their golden wedding on Friday. Air. Wood’s parents came to New Zealand from London by way of Africa, where All*. Wood was born, in 1886. Air. Wood was born at Claremont, near Capetown and was named Claremont Africa after his birthplace. Mrs. Wood, who came out with her parents in 1862, settled in Albertland. Her father, Air. John Belling Jones, printed the first copy of the Albertland “Gazette and Ocean Chronical,” which was edited by Mr. Samuel Johnson. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have 11 children living and 15 grandchildren.