Seniors celebrate Ruby's century

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 22, 22 October 1985, Page 8

Seniors celebrate Ruby's century

Raetihi Senior Citizens celebrated Ruby Parker's 100th birthday at their meeting last Wednesday. Although Mrs Parker's birthday is not until 30 October, the senior citizens celebrated the event at their meeting closest to the date. Children of rooms one and two from Raetihi Primary School began the afternoon with song, and encouraged the audience to join in. The children then presented Mrs Parker with a huge birthday card. The Mayor of Raetihi, Mr Garrick Workman, congratulated Mrs Parker and told the meeting that two years ago, in one of his first public speaking engagements, he was asked to say a

few words at Mrs Parker's 98th birthday. "With the coming council amalgamation this is probably one of the last occasions" when I will speak publicly as Mayor," he said. Reverend Bob Peck greeted Mrs Parker on behalf of the Waimarino Ministers' Fraternal and spoke of her high quality of life. He also greeted her on behalf of the Labour Party which Mrs Parker has belonged to much of her life. She was presented with life membership from Arthur Faulker, Reverend Peck said. Congratulations also came from Dorothy McNie, president of the Country Women's Institute of which Mrs Parker was a member, Ces Allerby, on behalf of the Ohakune Senior Citizens Club and Trevor McCoy, president of the RSA. Maggie Rawiri, a senior citizens' member, presented Mrs Parker with a basket and a spray made by Jean Haitana, on behalf of the Maori people. President of Raetihi Senior Citizens, Eva Grossart, presented Mrs Parker with a night dress on behalf of the club. Maureen Workman presented her with an artificial

flower arrangement, from the Raetihi Borough Council. Mrs Parker's next door neighbour, Betty Barrett, made the birthday cake which was iced by Lynnly Henare. Mrs Parker has been a member of the Raetihi Senior Citizens' Club since it

began in the early 1970s. There are now fifty members and Mrs Grossart said they would like more. Over 80 members of Mrs Parker's family, from as far away as Norfolk Island, will be attending a family birthday party at Labour Weekend in the Waimarino Club hall.