NINETY-ONE YEARS OLD

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 967, 9 May 1930, Page 11

NINETY-ONE YEARS OLD

OLD COLONIST’S BIRTHDAY MRS. A. BELL, PAPATOETOE Born at Pultney, Wick, Scotland, on May 8, 1839, Mrs. Annie Bell, who now resides at Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe, celebrated her 91st birthday yesterday. In her 20th year, Mrs. Bell, who was the fourth daughter of Captain Peter Taylor, harbourmaster at Pultney, arrived in Auckland. On her arrival in Auckland Mrs. Bell lived for six years in and around the City, before marrying Mr. James Bell. They then moved to Kauri, Whangarei, and stayed in the district for more than 20 years, farming. On their retirement they came to live in Auckland, but were unable to settle clown to .the easy life of the retired, and they took up a small farmlet in Papatoetoe, until Mr. Bell’s failing health caused them to retire permanently. Mr. Bell died eight years ago. Mrs. Bell has always taken an active interest in church work, and is at present a member of the Papatoetoe Presbyterian Church. She was the first president of the Papatoetoe branch of the Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Union. Despite her great age, Mrs. Bell is still an active reader, and takes, a keen interest in the news of the day. A number of friends called on her yesterday to wish her many happy returns of the day. She was presented with two beautiful bouquets and an iced birthday cake was on the tea table.