GIRL ATHLETE WEDS

FORMER OLYMPIC RUNNER

A wedding of much interest to all followers ot amateur athletics in New Zealand was solemnised recently at St. John's Anglican Ciiurch, Johnsonvilie, when Thelma, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. Kench, Johnsonvilie (late of Wanganui), was married to John Henry Irion, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Irion, Hataitai. The bride was a member of the Wellington Amateur Athletic Club and represented New Zealand at the Olympic Games at Los Angeles in 1932. The Rev. C. J. G. Samuda performed the ceremony and Mrs. Mason presided at the organ. The League of Mothers' choir sang "Oh Perfect Love" and "Consecration."

The bride, who was escorted by her father, wore a gown of cream embossed heavy satin cut to form a flared, loi^gtrained skirt. Her tulle veil, six yards long, was pleated to the head with a halo of orange blossom. She carried a sheaf of cream roses and miniature gladioli. She was attended by Miss Rona Hawkins and Miss Joan Ke'nch (her sister), and by two flower-girls, Lola Kench (a sister) and Jocelyn Ring The bridesmaids wore looped crinolines of cyclamen lace with frilled underskirts of cyclamen net, and the flower-girls were in ivory replicas. Dolly Varden hats and mittens to tone were worn, and shower bouquets of carnations, sweet peas, and roses were carried.

Mr. D. Kench was best man and Mr. D. Guilfoyle was groomsman, the ushers being Mr. Albert Martin and Mr. M. Kench.

More than 250 guests were present at the reception in Symonds Hall, Johnsonville. Mrs. Keiich, who received the guests, wore a model gown of navy georgette with a heavy lace coat to match, and a hat of navy chip straw. She carried a spray of pink carnations and roses. Mrg. Irion (mother of the bridegroom) assisted, wearing a smart black and white ensemble, and carrying a spray of carnations and roses. The bride received many .telegrams of good wishes from fellow-sportsmen. Mr. Thorn proposed a toast to the bride's grandmother, Mrs. A. T. Martis (the oldest guest), who had travelled from Hawera to be present. Mr. G. James was master of ceremonies. When Mr. and Mrs. Irion left for New Plymouth, the bride travelled in a blue figured frock of uncrushable crepe, and a matching coat, with a black hat and accessories. Her fur necklet was the gift of the bridegroom.