GOLDEN WEDDING

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32518, 18 December 1944, Page 4

GOLDEN WEDDING

MR & MRS W. J. MATTHEWS

50 YEARS OF MARRIED LIFE

FUNCTION AT NETHERTON

At a gathering of relatives held at their home at Netherton, Mr and Mrs W. J. Matthews celebrated their

golden wedding anniversary on Friday. Relatives from all parts of New Zealand attended the function, including Mr A. Horne, of Pukekohe, aged 91 years, the oldest survivor of the Graham Clan which first landed' at Auckland over 100 years ago.

At the excellent wedding breakfast, which was provided by the two daughters, Mrs 0. W. Bailey and Mrs L. H. Russell, both of Auckland, Mr J. Young of the Thames Coast and formerly, of Netherton, acted as toastmaster.

After the loyal toast, Mr Young proposed the health of Mr and Mrs Matthews, congratulating them on attaining their golden wedding: anniversary. and wished them continued health and happiness in the years that lay ahead. Mr Young who was present at the marriage of Mr and' Mrs Mathews '5O years ago, at Otakeho, Taranaki, recounted many incidents of the ceremony and of their later life both in Taranaki and on the Hauraki Plains.

Mr 'Matthews responding, thanked Mr Young for the compliments which he had paid to Mrs Matthews and himself. He thanked all those present for their kind wishes, paying, special tribute to his •wife for the great helpmate she had been during their married life.

Mr Matthews- then proposed the health of the bridesmaid-, now Mrs A. F. Maude, of JJetherton, a sister of his -wife. This was responded to by Mr A. F. Maude, of Netherton.

-The Graham Clan of which Mrs Matthews is a descendant, was proposed by ‘Miss S. Snodgrass of Thames and replied to by- Mr Horne. Mr Home in a very interesting speech traced the history of the Clan and the service it had rendered to the British Empire down through the centuries. He went back to the twelfth century and quoted the .policy of James I. of England and VI. of -Scotland, emphasising that if this policy had been carried out the world would not be- in the chaotic state it was to-day.

The toast to “Absent Friends” was proposed' by, Mr R. Wilcox, of Puke-k-ohe.

'Dr. J. B. Liggins, of Thames, proposed. the health of the - daughters, saying that he had known them practically all their lives and congratulated them on having such fine parents. ' Mr F. 'Doig of Palmerston North, whose- wife is a daughter of ‘the late Mr and Mrs L. Rogers who were the other couple in- the double wedding when Mr and- Mrs Matthews were married at Otakeho, responded, on behalf -of the daughters and also extended his- congratulations to the happy couple on reaching their -golden jubilee.

A toast to the Boys Overseas was proposed by Mr J. Reid of Netherton and responded to by Capt. J. Milne, of Paeroa.

A large number of congratulatory telegrams, was' received by Mr and ‘Mrs Matthews from all parts of New Zealand.