GOLDEN WEDDING

Evening Star, Issue 14414, 9 July 1910, Page 5

GOLDEN WEDDING

Mr and Mrs Smith celebrated theii golden wedding at Waikouaiti on tin Ist inst. by a thanksgiving service and social in Wesley Church, which wa; prettily decorated for the occasion. A largo gathering of their friends assembled to tender congratulations to th aged couple. The service was con ducted by the Revs. Somerville and Featherston.

The Rev. Mr Featherston said: “I do not dinow whether Mr and Mr? Smith were married in the Old Land or in the New, but during those fifty years they will have experienced many trials and hardships in tho early days of this Dominion. Of my acquain tance with them I can speak in the highest terms, and I wisli them even happiness in the autumn of their life.” The, Rev. Mr Somerville, said: “I have only known Mr and Mrs Smith a very short time, as 1 am almost a stranger amongst you ; but the large gathering of friends and well-wishers would convince anyone of the respect and esteem in which they are hold by their fellow-citizens.”

Tho Mayor (Mr Noil Stewart) gave a short address, in tho course of which ho said; “I have known Mr and Mrs Smith for mauy years, and it gives me great pleasure indeed to personally tender my heartiest congratulations and those of the borough I represent. I can bear testimony to the respect and esteem in which they and their family are held throughout the district. T have been associated with Mr Smith on the various public bodies, and car honestly say he has always discharged his duties with marked ability and without fear or favor. I never knew him to shirk his duty. It gives me much pleasure to testify to the high character he bears for integrity and uprightness in all his transactions. I regret exceedingly and sympathise with him in his long illness, and trust he may be restored to health, with many years of happiness to Mrs Smith and himself.”

Messrs Russell, Johnston, and Fleming gave short addresses, cordially endorsing tho remarks of the previous speaker. Many congratulatory telegrams received that day from various parts of tho Dominion were read. The Prime Minister wired as follows: “Lady Ward and I send our sincerest congratulations to Mrs Smith and yourself upon your gold n wedding, and wish you both long-continued life and happiness. We regret exceedingly it is not possible to he present at the celebration.” From the Hon. Thomas Mackenzie: 11 1 desire to congratulate you and your good wife on this most important day. My one regret is that lam not able to personally tender my hearty good wishes. You have been preserved under Providence’s good gifts to each other for these long years. May you still have some years yet in store to each other and your family, and may reasonable health and strength be granted to yon. It is to such as you that the Dominion owes much. It was the hardy pioneers who devoted themselves in so many ways to laying the foundations of this country on good and righteous lines, and you two occupy an honorable place among the band. Very sincere good wishes to you and yours.” From Mr E. H. Clark, M.P.: “Political duties enforce my absence from your golden weddjng. I sincerely trust you and Mrs Smith may be spared to enjoy more years of health and prosperity,” From St. Michael’s Vicarage, Christchurch: “Heartiest congratulations and good wishes.” Mr A. Smith returned thanks for his parents. Had his father been able to address them he could have given some reminiscences of early colonial life. It was gratifying to them that all the family were home that day from Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill—four daughters and four sons. There were twenty-two grandchildren. “ I heartily thank you all for your presence here this afternoon. I also tender the family’s best thanks to Mrs Kerr for so kindly presiding at the organ, and for the many presents received.”