Diamond Wedding

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 6519, 7 April 1931, Page 10

Diamond Wedding

During Ihe past few day* M-. Airs. W. D. Squire, of Robe/W.' Bunnytliorpc, have been showe.-cd r.L congratulations on having reacted V..-. diamond anniversary of their 44 This happy event was cole-,rare•; Sunday at their homestead, ■■■■,<■:. -. •••.• 50 guests assembled in honocr ■/' 'La occasion. The wedding breakfast was hi 4 in a spacious marquee, where happy couple, still hale and hearty, although they have lived eom-.k'eraV v over the allotted span of life, sat .rjder a wedding bell to receive further encomiums and good wishes for the future. After the toast to the bride and bridegroom had been honoured, that ol the bridesmaids, two of whom are still alive in England, was proposed. The guests were interested to learn of this fact: that, diamond weddings arc a rarity in themselves, but for brides maids to be still alive must be more uncommon still. Air. and Airs. Squire cynic to New Zealand in 1875, four years after their marriage, and eight of their nine children were able to be present at Sunday’s celebrations. They were Air. 11. J. Squire (New Plymouth), Alcsdames W. F. Ellis (New Plymouth), J. \v. Clcvcly (Bunnytliorpc), G. At. Ranson (Palmerston North), A. C. Carson (Palmerston North), Y\. Lee (North Auckland), Law (Wanganui) and Aliss Squire (Bunnytliorpc). Unable to be present was Airs. Ilavdon (Palmerston

Mr and Mrs W. D. Squire. Bunnythorpe, Celebrate 60th Anniversary of Marriage

fi'trih). Twenty-nine grandchildren two great-grandchildren joined in celebrations. Several grandchildren were ox-able to be present. Other guests sr, eluded Mrs. Venn (Shannon) and Mr, H, Brown (Palmerston North), old Wi>i nds of the family. 0.0 landing in New Zealand Mr. and Mr*. Squire came to Palmerston North, whore Mr. Squire obtained employment with the late Mr. Venn in the sash and door trade. Later he went to Woodville for a short while and then returned to Palmerston North to take over Mr. Venn’s business. After retiring lie went farming at Ohakune, Stormy Greek and finally Bunnythorpe, where he still resides. Among other recollections of the early days in these parts, Mr. Squire recalls travelling with the. little railway engine called the “Coffee Pot” from Palmerston North to Bunnythorpe on his first visit. The train failed to surmount the rise at Terrace End and Mr. Squire continued the journey on foot, reaching the village long before the train was in sight. A special cake made and decorated by the family graced the festive board on Sunday. Mr. W. Squire, as M.C., presided over the function, the bride attending in a frock of black lace over cinnamon, with a black lace coatee. She w T as presented with a bouquet of golden roses and dahlias from an absent member of the family, and a lucky silver horseshoe from the youngest child.