Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 13, May 1970
GOLDEN WEDDING CELEBRATED : GERRAND - ROBSON
Mr. and Mrs. P.A. Gerrand of 33 Hanene Street, St.Heliers, celebrated their golden wedding on January 14, 1970. Mrs. Gerrand was formerly Miss Ida. Robson, of Paeroa, and the couple were married at her parent's residence where a garden reception was held in 1920.
Before her marriage, Mrs. Gerrand taught at Thames, Paeroa, Waihi, Te Aroha and Waikino, and was appointed to open the first school at Kaihere. As there was no school building there, lessons were given in a woolshed kindly lent by the late Mr. T. Cashen. The parents had willingly transformed the woolshed into a pleasant schoolroom, and from a small roll number the school soon numbered 28 pupils.
Mr. Gerrand was appointed to the Waikino School in April 1915, and served under the late Mr. J.B. Ramsay. He enlisted for the First World War in August of the same year, and left for Egypt in the 8th Reinforcements. Serving in France, he was later transferred to the Second Anzac Corps Headquarters on General Godley's Staff, where he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. He resumed teaching at Waikino School after his return to New Zealand under the headmastership of his brother-in-law, the late Mr. R.T. Reid. He taught at many schools in the Auckland Province, retiring in 1954.
Mr. and Mrs. Gerrand have three daughters. In 1955 in the course of a world tour they spent some time with their daughter Nina (Mrs. Bradshaw) in England. One of the highlights of this trip was attendance at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party where they were presented to the Queen Mother. Miss Margaret Gerrand is a well known Auckland musician and teacher and holds a Bachelor of Music Degree. The third daughter Ailsa, is Mrs. Squire Speedy of Takapuna. Two grandsons are in England, and two granddaughters at Takapuna.
Present among the guests at the golden wedding celebrations were: Mrs. Katrina Vesey-Stewart, (Mrs. Gerrand's elder sister), Mr. and Mrs. Dobson, Mrs. Dobson being Mr. Gerrand's niece and Mr. Dobson of an old Waihi family. Mr. Norman Carr was also present. He was once on the staff of the Waihi South School and resigned to enlist for overseas in World War I. Mrs. J.P. Gamble and Miss Ruth Gamble were also present to help the happy celebrations along.