Golden Wedding Celebrated

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 144, 20 June 1936, Page 15

Golden Wedding Celebrated

There was a happy gathering of tha family and friends of Mr and Mrs W. Thomson, at their residence, Salisbury street, Ashhurst, on June 16, to celebrate the golden wedding of this esteemed couple. The Eev. Mr Foston officiated and both he and Mrs Foston contributed greatly to the evening's enjoyment with humorous stories.

Mr and Mrs W. Thomson were married at Glenhervie, Kincardineshire, Scotland, on June 16, 1886, by the Eev. W. Gordon, minister of Glenbervie, and came out to New Zealand in 1009, and have resided in the Ashhurst district for the past 27 years. ' The usual toasts were honoured: “Tho King” and the “Bride and Bridegroom,’’ by Eev. Foston, the latter being responded to by Mr W. Thomson, junr. (tho eldest son). All the family of live sons and one daughter were present, three of the sons and the son-in-law are returned soldiers, having served at Gallipoli and France. There aro thirteen grandchildren, twelve being present. The decorations for the 6 o’clock tea were appropriately carried out in autumn shades and gold. A beautiful cake held prido of place, this being made by Mrs W. Thomson, junr., of Otaki. Tho couple were presented with a pair of handsome easy chairs and a wireless set, and numerous other pretty and useful presents. Mrs Thomson was gowned in black silk velvet and mado a regal picture as she held her live beautiful bouquets.

One bouquet, which was much admired, came from tho Ladies’ Guild of the Ashhurst Methodist Church. Several messages of congratulations and good wishes were received during the day,, including a lengthy telegram from tho Hon. M. J. Savage, Prime Minister. Congratulations were also given to Mr and Mrs C. C. Thomson (the youngest son), it being the sixteenth anniversary of their wedding day. Mrs C. C. Thomson was presented with an exquisite shoulder spray of rose japonica and tiny roses. Solos were rendered by Mr N. McKinnon, of Carterton, and Mrs C. C Thomson, also duets and solos by little Miss Heather McKinnon and Master T. Thomson. Keeitations were given by Mrs Foston, Mrs John Thomson (Foxton) and little Miss Peggy Thomson, of Shannon. Tho accompaniments for the community singing of Scottish and other songs were played by Mrs John Thomson, Miss Carter and Jdrs C. C. Thomson. Before supper was served the Eev. Foston offered a beautiful prayer of thanksgiving for the many blessings bestowed upon Mr and Mrs Thomson during the 50 years of their life together and the joy of having all their family spared to honour them on this happy occasion. At a late hour all joined hands for] “Auld Lang Syne. - ’