AN INTERESTING GATHERING.

Temuka Leader, Issue 241, 9 March 1880, Page 2

AN INTERESTING GATHERING.

There was what the reporters call ‘ a most interesting gathering” at the village of Gillingham, near Chatnam, on January Ist. Fifty-nine aged pert sons were entertained by a gentleman resident in that place. The united ages of the party amounted to 4259 years, giving an average nf 72 years for each individual The great feature of the entertainment was the dancing ot “ Sir Roger de Coverley ” by the old folks, while the young looked on Tastes differ. To my mind (says the “ Chiel ”) there is nothing pleasant or interesting in a gathering of oik people. It seems to me .', sad and pathetic sight, but in this case it was less melaachol v than another meeting of veterans which took place at Boston, Massachusetts, the other day. Sixteen survivors f the American war of 1812 met for their annual dinner. The youngast of the party was 79, one was 80, four was 82, three was 83, one was 85, one 87, one 91, and two 92. After dinner they unanimously agreed to break up their association and meet no more. It was a most sensible resolution on their part and I think our Trafalgar and Waterloo veterans would do well to follow their example. It must be a miserable mockery of merriment to meet year after year round the festive board only to count the gaps which each year has male in the rapidly-diminishing band, only to hear in fancy—