AFTER 50 YEARS.

Mataura Ensign, 1 November 1911, Page 2

AFTER 50 YEARS.

GOLDEN WEDDING AT WAIPAHI. AN INTERESTING CELEBRATION. Sunday last marked the 50th anniversary of Mr and Mrs J. F. Robertson, of East Gore, and the event was celebrated at Waipahi, where they formerly resided, on Friday. Mr Robertson was born in Ayrshire in 1839 and emigrated to Melbourne in 1853, coming over to New Zealand in 1860. He was engaged for some time in pit-sawing in the bush between Dunedin and Port Chalmers, and took part in the Lindus and Gabriel's Gully gold rushes, undertaking cheerfully all the hardships and trials of the pioneer's life. Mr and Mrs Robertson were married in the year of the Gabriel's Gully rush, 1861. Gold-mining from Mr Robertson's point of view was successful enough, but not quite as much so as could be desired, and accordingly he purchased some 50 acres at Otokia (T:uV?i) and engaged in contractinf under the old Provincial Government, combined with storekeeping. Twenty-nine years ago Mr Robertson took up his iesidence at Waipahi, where he. followed up contracting. Afterwards the fam'.'y lived at Balelutha and Stirling, and have now settled down, after an adventurous life, at East Gore, where they are widely respected and esteemed. During their long stay at Waipahi (writes our correspondent) Mrs Robertsen had, by her loyal, quiet and helpful ways, earned the esteem of all who knew her, and l there was very general satisfaction when it became known tr at Mr and Mrs Robertson were approaching the 50th anniversary of their wedding and that the family intended celebrating the event at Waipahi. On Friday afternoon a family reunion took place at the residence of Mr A. Robertson. Rev. S. Gaston (Pukerau) presided and Mrs Gaston and Rev, and Mrs A. Gray (Gore) and a few others were present. Rev. A. Gray proposed the health of the bride and bridegroom, and the chairman proposed the health of the bridesmaid and others who were present at the first ceremony. The worthy couple were the recipients of a family presentation, also other handsome presents and many yoiiTrntulatory messages. Mr and Mrs Alex. Robertson had issued invitations for a gathering in the local hall in the evening to further celebrate the event, and 8 o'clock saw the building packed almost beyond the highest expectations, no such numbers having before been within its walls. The grand march took place at 8.30 a.m. and dancing, interspersed with songs and other items, followed. After the first supper Mr and Mrs John F. Robertson were escorted to the stago and Mr Andrew Murray conveyed to them the congratulations of the gathering. Mr Murray spoke of the iiospitality of Mr and Mrs Robertson and of Mrs Robertson's association with many affairs when residing here. On behalf of Waipahi, Arthurton and Wairuna friends he presented Mr Robertson with a walking-stick and Mrs Robertson with a purse filled with sovereigns. Both .presents were handsomely mounted in gold and) appropriately inscribed, and represented ono of the most spontaneous presentations ever arranged in the district. The health of the recipients was drunk with musical honors, and Mr Robertson replied, thanking all for the presentations and stating that Mrs Robertson and himself had only tried to live as neighbors in the community, and he could scarcely wish to reside in a better in that respect. In proposing the health of Mr and Mrs Alex. Robertson Mr Jas. Campbell said that the Robertson family had always been encouraged to take an interest in local affairs and the gathering was glad to take part with them in the celebration of the golden wedding of their parents. Mr Alex. Robertson suitably replied, after which dancing was resumed and continued with unflagging enthusiasm until the singing of "Auk! Lang Syne" at 4 a.m.