LIFE AT NINETY-SIX.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 October 1921, Page 4

LIFE AT NINETY-SIX.

ACTIVE NEW PLYMOUTH RESIDENT. ENJOYS SWIFTNESS OF MOTORS. That life is still full of good things at the age of 96 years is demonstrated by the daily doings of a New Plymouth resident, Mr. Henry Putt, who, after having reached his 96th birthday on Sunday last, may be seen doing a little gardening in the course of his daily round, and the well-kept plot at the back of his home at Vogeltown is evidence that he is “not too old at 96”. Since his retirement from his Okato farm some fourteen years ago Mr. Putt has not been idle, and devotes his time to many little affairs round the home, even to repairing a fence. Some months ago he in a young heifer and took a turn at milking. He is generally out by eight o’clock in the morning, and when over 90 years there were occasions when he was ahead of the other members of the household by rising at 5.89. Though advancing age has its effect physically Mr. Putt retains an active mental disposition. When seen by a Daily News reporter yesterday he was walking about the garden taking advantage of the spring sunshine. With a good recollection df dates he was able to recall various experiences since the time he landed at New Plymouth as a boy of about 15, from the pioneer ship William Bryan. This was in 1841, and he encountered all the hardships of the early days, in addition to participating in the fighting during the Maori wars. In these days Mr. Putt still transacts his own business, and makes a monthly trip to town by motor car. In this connection it may be mentioned that he rather enjoys the modern method of travelling, and recently told his daughter, who drives', that she should go a little faster. Thirty miles an hour has no terrors for the veteran, for when the speedometer touched this point he remarked: “This is fine.” At 92 Mr. Putt also experienced a journey by car to Wanganui.

Members of Mr. Putt’s family of eleven are now resident in different parts of the North Island, including New Plymouth and other towns in the province. His descendants also comprise about thirty grandchildren and seven or eight great grandchildren.