There is a secret - and it works

THEY HAVE been married for six decades, and Arthur and Enid Schmidt still look at each other like newlyweds.
The pair met more than 60 years ago during a fated wait outside the post office.
"We were waiting for a bus to take us to a dance at Tariki, but the bus never came. There were a couple of other people there too, so we decided to take a taxi. We kept in contact after the first night we met," said Arthur.
More whirlwind nights filled with dancing followed the first meeting, and eventually, Stratford born and bred Arthur, asked Mangamutu (near Pahiatua) native Enid to marry him.
The pair were married at the Presbyterian Church in Stratford among family and friends on June 5, 1948.
Enid's mother made her wedding dress, as well as the bridesmaid and flower girl gowns.
"We had three bridesmaids, two flower girls and two groomsmen. It was a lovely day," said Enid.
Arthur and Enid decided to build a new home to start their married life and they had timber felled at York Road, Midhirst. The house was built where it still stands today on Pembroke Road and the couple have been living in it for the past 59 years.
"It wasn't long after the war that we built, so there were building restrictions. We were only allowed to build a two-bedroom home. But it served us well and it has had a few changes over the years," said Arthur.
During their years together, Arthur and Enid had five children - Donald, Bill, Robert, Ian and Margaret.
"It was a bit of a tight squeeze in the house at times, the boys all had to share a room at one stage," said Enid.
Before a much-deserved retirement, Arthur supported his family working at Firth Industries and during his 43 years of service to the company, he worked his way through the ranks.
"They were a good company to work for and we got some good bonuses, like long-service overseas trips. We have been to Honolulu and they even gave us three month round-the-world tickets," said Arthur.
Enid was kept busy with the couple's children and worked in the haberdashery industry, working for iconic local establishments like Mackenzie's and Lucas's.
Nowadays, the pair enjoy a spot of bowls, and spending time in their garden - Arthur has been growing the family vegetables for years.
Now in their 60th year as a married couple, Arthur and Enid both agree that one thing has kept them going over the past few decades.
They were asked what their secret is, and they both candidly replied, "communication".
"We never really bicker, if we have something going on we discuss it and find a way to solve the problem. There is never cross words between us. Communication is so important," said Enid.
"Quite often I will go to say something, and Enid will say it right before I do. We are thinking the same thing and that is the key," said Arthur.
Arthur and Enid are celebrating their anniversary this weekend and are opening their home to family and friends on Saturday, May 31, for a cuppa. They welcome visitors.
On Sunday night, the pair will be joined by their five children and other guests for a night out at the Stratford Club.