Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Laughton

A representative of this journal who called on them found the cause of their pride was not far to seek. He was handed a letter with the Buckingham Palace Seal, and, opening it, read:-

The King and Queen have heard with much interest that you and Mrs. Laughton have recently celebrated your diamond wedding day, and desire me to send you their sincere congratulations and good wishes on this great anniversary in your lives.

Their Majesties trust that you are both in good health, and that you may be spared to each other for many years to come.

Yours very truly,
(Here followed the signature of an Equerry)

Our representative found Mrs. Laughton busily engaged preparing the midday meal, and despite the burden of years, she looked after her dishes with as much dexterity as many a young bride of twenty-five.

"I'm quite well now," she explained. "I still have rheumatism, but since I had my bed downstairs and was able to sleep in the warm it has got much better. The summer will make it better still, and I can get about the garden or along the Trout' quite easily."

The dear old lady was quite talkative, and continued in an interesting strain.

"We were married in 1867 at the Irchester Parish Church by the Rev. John Smith, and for fifty years we have lived in this house. At least I think it's fifty or forty-nine."

Asked what was her husband's occupation, she replied that his speciality was hand-sewn boots. He had worked for firms at Rushden, Wellingborough, Irchester and Higham Ferrers. Mrs. Laughton said she was a native of Irchester, but her husband was born at Farndish.

Opinion of Modern Girl's Dress

Questioned as to her memories of days gone by, Mrs. Laughton said:-

"The greatest difference was with the weather. It was 'wonderful' severe in winter, and much warmer in summer. The fish pond was frozen over in winter, and the frost held for skating for a fortnight at a time."

"How do you like Irchester?"

"Well, I've never lived anywhere else. I'm quite satisfied with it. It's not such a bad old place after all."

She was asked her opinion of present-day female attire.

"I think a lot about it" she said. "I don't like these new dresses much. They might be much more comfortable, but girls go to excess. Some of them do look a sight, but I suppose they think they look nice! Men's dress is very nice, and young men to-day look smart in their fancy socks and colours."

Did she remember the trains coming?

"Rather! We had great excitement here then—but I don't remember any rows. The people took it for granted, and all went to watch the first train."

Both Mr. and Mrs. Laughton are liberals, and have been all their lives.

"It seems to me," she said, "that we had much better Government in Gladstone's days. They made it better for all of us. But there have been great changes and they are for the better.

Meat Once a Week Only

"We had no money in the old days. We used to be happy, though. Money doesn't make people happy; we were poor but happy.

"My father was a labouring man, and there were ten of us. The money went farther then, but there is more money now. We used to have a bit of meat once a week, and never expect it any other time."

Mr. Laughton, who still enjoys his pipe of tobacco, was asked his opinion of the new tax!

"It's not up to much; it was dear enough before," he said.

Mr. Laughton still goes to the Wesleyan Chapel, but his wife has been unable to make the journey of recent years.

They are both in very fair health, although Mr. Laughton suffers somewhat with his eyes. When they rented their cottage fifty years ago it cost them £5 per annum, now it's 4/5 weekly.

The husband has never officially retired from work. "I am still standing off—but I shan't go back now, even if they want me. I can't see well enough. I was put off just after the war, he explained.

The couple have nine children, 21 grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.

Both are in receipt of the old age pension, and consider themselves "quite comfortable."