Family:John Conn and Martha Parkinson (1)

The family and friends of Mr. and Mrs. J. Conn senior, of Wallsend, met at their residence on September 27 to celebrate their golden wedding. Mr J. Lawson, of Summer Hill, Wallsend, proposed the, toast to Mr. and Mrs. Conn, and on behalf of their sons and daughters and grandchildren, presented each of them with a purse of sovereigns. Mr. J. P. Conn, the oldest son, responded on his parents behalf, Mrs. J. B. Jenkins and Mr. W. Parkinson, who were bridesmaid and groomsman at the wedding 50 years ago were among others present at the function. Mrs. Conn (nee Miss Parkinson), was born in Geelong on March 31 1859, and coming to Wallsend from Victoria in 1871, has been a Wallsend resident for 52 years. Mr. Con was born at Win- gate in the North of England, on March 11, 1850. With his parents he left England in 1856 and landed at Adelaide on December 24 of that year. His father took up farming at Port Augusta staying there for two years and the family subsequently came to Newcastle in 1858 by sailing vessel Watermattar. Mrs Conn has been a resident of Wallsend for 63 years and was an employee of the Newcastle Wallsend Coal Company for 34 years prior to meeting, with a blasting accident in Wallsend Colliery, through which he lost his sight 20 years ago. Mr. J. Mawkes, who was his mate at the time of the accident died as the result of the injuries he received. Mr and Mrs. Conn were married in Wallsend by the Rev. Barney Kenny. Their family consists of four daughters and four sons and there are 23 grandchildren. All are residents of Wallsend. Those present at the golden wedding celebration spent an enjoyable evening in games, singing and dancing.