Newspaper Article 1999 – Together 60 years

Together 60 years

More than 50 relatives of Hawke’s Bay farmers Mary and Charlie Solomon from all over New Zealand to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Monday.

Family members from Wellington to Australia were reunited for a traditional celebratory hangi at their Te Hauke farm property “Wandermere”, where Charlie and Mary were married 60 years ago on December 28, 1938.

They continued to work the farm for the next 60 years, raising 13 children.

With an extended family of 34 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, they say love, faith, family and hard work is what has kept their marriage strong over the years.

“Family was very important to them” said daughter Liz Mauriohooho. “They taught us about education, togetherness and sharing. They loved all of us and they certainly taught us how to work hard.”

She said life was so hectic that her mother got a job at Watties to give her a break.

“That was her way of having a rest.” she said.

Photo caption – Mr and Mrs Solomon