Another from NZ. Have had a uke since I was in Miss Parkers ukulele group at Awapuni primary school, Gisborne, in about 1962. Met Miss Parker at a wedding I played for (highland pipes)a little while ago, she was delighted I still had a uke.
Local music shop guy sells heaps of them, can get a real good one for about $150, worth every cent, saw a lady, about 70 years old buying one the other day, her and her mates were going to learn to play and have afternoon uke sessions.
Biggest thrill, hearing my son do stairway to heaven on my tatty ole uke.
Ukes rule