Pat and Selwyn Stanger dined at the historic Star and Garter restaurant with family and friends for their special occasion. They would also mark the anniversary with other family members at Easter.
The couple met under sad circumstances during World War 2. Mr Stanger, who came from Enfield, was in the same regiment as his future wife's brother, Bill McEwan. They had been in a training camp together before being sent into the field in Italy.
When Mr McEwan was wounded, Mr Stanger carried him out of the line of fire. But Mr McEwan did not make it, so Mr Stanger wrote to his family.
Upon his return to North Otago, he visited the McEwans and met his fallen comrade's sister, Pat.
They married on March 19, 1948. Mrs Stanger is now aged 88, her husband 91, but their appearance and delight in their anniversary belie their years. They attribute their youthfulness to eating vegetables they grow themselves.
They have six children, the eldest named Bill after his late uncle. He and the youngest, Trevor, still live in Oamaru and the others live in the Christchurch area.
There are 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, with the 17th on the way. Mrs Stanger is busy knitting a baby shawl for the expected arrival.
The success of their marriage was due to ''tolerance and a bit of a sense of humour'', Mrs Stanger said.
''And a great family,'' they both agreed.
They also shared a love of camping holidays, travelling for 21 years in a motor home and meeting like-minded adventurers all over the country.
- Sally Brooker.
