GOLDEN WEDDING

Evening Star, Issue 21569, 15 November 1933, Page 4

GOLDEN WEDDING

On Thursday Inst .Mr ami Mrs Jas. Smart, of Bnlclutha, celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding. Owing to most of their early acquaintances being now resident in Dunedin, the function was held in the Vcdio. Some forty guests attended, and the function passed off very .successfully. It was on November 9, 1883, that, at the residence of her brother, Leith street, Dunedin, Miss Annie Elizabeth Humphrey, eldest daughter of Mi - G. Humphrey, watchmaker, of Clyde, was married to James, the eldest son of Mr and Mrs 11. Smart, of -Oamaru, the Her. Dr Stuart being the officiating minister. Miss llobertson (now Mrs Sberriff. of St. Clair), was the bridesmaid, while Mr W. Jarman was the best man. It is worthy of note that the bridesmaid occupied her position on the left of the bride at Thursday’s function as she did fifty years ago, while an apology was received from the best man. who, owing to failing health, was unable to bo present, but sent his good wishes. The guests wore received by Mr and Mrs Smart, the latter being attired in a frock of navy celanese, trimmed with chevron celanese, with navy bat trimmed to tone. She carried a pretty posy of Jlanksia roses, ranunculi, and marigolds The tables were most artistically arranged, the decorations being in keeping with the event, comprising Iceland poppies, marigolds, and gold shades on the lights, while at the back of the bridal chair was a huge bmv of gold-coloured ribbon. A beauti-

ful wedding cake occupied a .prominent position at the bridal table, Mr J. Bilzon, Balclntha, presided, and proposed the health of the bride and bridegroom. Mr A. E. Stewart (Milton) then read a number of congratulatory telegrams from absentfriends wishing the couple all success. In reply, Mr Smart said fifty years seemed a long time. He and Mrs Smart had had their ups and downs, but they had battled through all right. He was very pleased to renew acquaintances of his childhood days and hoped they would meet again at some future date. _ Mrs Smart also briefly replied, and thanked those present for coming to do them honour.

During the course of the proceedings Miss Cathie Newson delighted those present with two solos, ‘ Love’s Old Sweet Song ’ and ‘ Ye Banks and Braes,’ while Air Bilzon led the party in singing the chorus ‘ She was a Grand Old Lady, ’ in honour of the bridesmaid. Mr J. Roberts presided at the piano in a very efficient manner, his playing throughout being much enjoyed. In the evening Mr and Airs Smart and members of the family were the

guests of Mr and AJrs Paape at,a diii-, ner'in the .Grand Hotel/a very happy gathering resvdting. ■ ■■ - •••■;.' ■ Amongst those present at the afternoon function were; Mrs Sherrill find Mr Sherri(f, jun., Mr and Mrs Smith, Mr and Mrs D. Ferguson (the latter being a daughter of Mr and Mrs Smart'). Mrs Burns and Miss Jean M‘Whir ter (Thnaru), Mi- and Mrs A. E. Stewart (Milton), Mr and Mrs Statham (Kaitangata), Mr and Mrs A. Paape, Mr J. Bilzon (Bald nth a), Miss C. Newson (BalcjuthaV, Mr and Mrs Campbell, Air and Mrs M'Clatchy,/Miss,, 1. Smart, Mrs Orton (Allantoh); Misses - E., Mavis, and Muriel Ferguson (grandchildren), Miss Menzies, Mr and Mrs S Ferguson, -Mr and Mrs T. Steele, Mrs and Miss Stone, Mrs Miller, Miami Mrs B. Culbert. (Baklutha), Mr and Mrs Hunter, Mrs Broun,- Mi; and Mrs Rcndell, and Miss Jarman. On Saturday night Mr and Mrs Smart entertained about 1 sixty • Bajcluthn' friends at a social” evening in the 1.0.0. F. Hall. The time was spent in dancing and cards. During the .evening -Miss Shirley M‘.Chitchcy,-<of-Dun--edin, entertained the guests with songs and exhibitions of tap dancing, which earned hearty applause. Mr Bilzou

sang «.-,song which was also heartily received.' A dainty supper was served, after which the health of Mr -and Airs •Smart* and family was toasted with musical honours. The gathering broke rtp^hoat-midniglit--wkfc(||i§ I tfeingiug of ‘ Auld, Lang Syne.! The .couple were the recipients of a large number ot presents iu honour of the occasion.