SILVER WEDDING.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLV, Issue 63, 15 March 1911, Page 3

SILVER WEDDING.

Probably never before in the history of Marlborough (states the Pelorus Guardian) has there, been so unique a gathering as that of Friday last, when nearly 300 people assembled at the residence of Mr and Mrs Charles Nees, at Okaramio, in response to invitations from them to take part in the twenty-fifth anniversary of their wedding. A very pleasant feature of the gathering was the attendance of a good number of the pioneers of the district, some of them dating their arrival back to the Jso's and '60's; and it was most interesting to listen to the exchange of reminiscences of the days when the whole of the ; valley, right through to Havelocky was a dense bush, with merely a bridle track as a means of communication with "Beavertown" and the then sparselysettled districts between the town and the rivers. Many of the guests had come from long distances, and

I there was scarcely a portion of the province that was not represented by Someone actuated by a desire to again meet and congratulate the couple upon having reached a momentous milestone in life's journey. A great disappointment to the family was the absence of Mr and Mrs Nees, senior, of AVellington, who recently celebrated their golden wedding, and who, through illhealth, were unable to make the journey across the Straits. Not alone by their presence did the quests give evidence of their friendship for the couple; many costly gifts, and many that equally represented the givers' regard, were to be seen in one of the rooms. Two of these that attracted a great deal of interest were a beautiful solid silver tray, the gift of the employees at Messrs Nees and McLean's All Nations sawmill, and a handsome oak salad bowl from waggon-drivers in the firm's employ. Shortly after 3 o'clock the guests assembled in front of the house, with the bride and groom in the foreground, and the large group was photographed by Mr A. J. Maclaine. A move was then made for the large barn, . which had been elaborately fitted up as a dining room; the walls were almost hidden With a wealth of greenery, and at the head of the room, immediately over the heads of the host and hostess, Avas an enormous floral wedding bell. One hundred and sixty guests sat down to a breakfast the like of -.vliich has never been seen in the province, and the magnificent three-tier wedding cake was quite in keeping with the rest of the menu. So large was the attendance that a second relay of nearly, one hundred guests had to be attended to before the toast-list could be dealt with.

Mr John Duncan, M.P., was .chairman of the gathering, and at his call the toast of "The King" was honored.

The toast of the day—"The Bride nd Bride*groqm"—was given by Mr J. A. Lambert, who said it was with, sincere pleasure he proposed it, because he happened to have been one of the oldest friends of Mrs Nees' parents, the late Mr and Mrs Cameron, whom, he had first met 43 years ago; he had known Mr Nees' parents for 20 years, and was very sorry the state of then* health had not permitted them to be present #hat day; he had known Mrs Nees since' her girlhood; and he had been closely acquainted with Mr Nees himself for over 25 years. He had found their host a sterling good fellow, a good neighbour, and a keen business man; he had known him in every stage of his business efforts in the early days, and he could honestly say that Mr Nees had fully deserved the success he had achieved. In asking the guests to heartily honor the toast he (Mr Lambert) sincerely hoped that Mr and Mrs Nees would long be spared to enjoy the Jove and esteem of their very many friends. (Loud applause). Mr Nees made a brief reply. He said he was overwhelmed with the evidences of the kindness of his

friends, and was quite unable to express his appreciation of their kindness. Most of what success had attended his efforts in life was due to theN sympathy and. help of his wife. The table covered with beautiful, presents proved the kindness, of their friends, and ho and his wife were specially proud of the tokens of goodwill from the men amongst whom he worked. It was a very great disappointment that his parents had not been able to attend, but it was rather a long journey at their age. In conclusion, Mr Nees said that though a number of those present that day would probably not be able to attend his golden wedding, he hoped to see the majority of them there. (Applause). On behalf of the guests, Mr Duncan accepted the invitation, and said they all hoped to be able to attend.

"The Visiting Relatives of the Nees Family" was proposed by Mr McCallum, who said that if that was the way silver weddings were conducted he had missed > many good things in his life. He thought the toast should have been placed in the hands of Mr W. Kennington, senior, or Mr Lawson, who were two of the oldest settlers in the district. Only a few months ago Mr Nees' parents had celebrated their golden wedding, and the unique ceremony was presided over by his Honor the Chief Justice, Sir Robert Stout, whose school at North-east Valley some of the Nees children attended nearly 50 years ago. The family was certainly one of the best-known and most respected in Marlborougk, and he had pleasure m coupling with the toast the name of Mr Fritz Nees, of Dunedm, a nephew of Mr Charles Nees. In response, Mr Fritz Nees apologised for the absence of his grandparents, whoso disappointment was quite as keen as was that of the other members of the family. He thanked the speakers- for their kind references to the family,- and hoped to again meet them all on the occasion of the golden wedding referred to by his uncle. Dr Williams was called upon to propose the toast of "The Ladies," and he quite proved his fitness for the task. Incidentally, in referring to the arrangements generally, he said he almost wished Mr Nees had been, a King Solomon, so that his friends might have enjoyed a silver wedding festival every day for 300, days. Mr W. Kennington, jun., responded to the toast, and, speaking likea. veteran of much experience, gave it as his opinion that a good wife "was the greatest blessing a man could have.

Mr Duncan made a very happy and appropriate speech in conclusion, and expressed the guests' hearty appreciation of the kindness of their host and hostess.

During the afternoon songs were contributed by Mrs • Williams and Mrs O'Grady. This terminated the "breakfast" proceedings, and the main portion of the barn was then cleared for dancing. Lighted by acetylene gas, and splendidly decorated with ferns and nativs bush branches, the long dancing room presented a wonderfully cosy and pretty appearance, and as. the floor was in fine order and the music (supplied by Miss Scott, violin, and Miss Edith Scott, piano) first class it is no wonder that tho hundreds of guests who remained enjoyed themselves thoroughly. The dance was kept up till 2 a.m., and brought to a close an event that will long live in the annals of this district.