Esteemed Address

This illuminated address was presented to Henry Betts on his 90th birthday by the people of Ōkaiawa on 8 February 1927. The address is signed over eight pages by the 172 guests present at his birthday party at his home ‘Holly Bank’. Henry was a prominent figure in south Taranaki and was held in high esteem by the community. He and his wife Charlotte settled on Normanby Road in Ōkaiawa in 1873 where the family established the plant nursery H. Betts & Son.

An illuminated address is a formal greeting created to mark special occasions, they are typically beautifully written and decorated by hand with personalised pictures relating to the life and work of the person being honoured. The word illuminated refers to the use of metallic and bright colours to light up the pages. The presentation of an illuminated address was often marked by a formal ceremony during which the text of the address was read out. This fine example was prepared by W R Bock, a highly regarded Wellington firm which produced illuminations, engravings and designs for medals and stamps.