Mr. and Mrs. F. White Celebrate their Golden Wedding

Northland Age, Volume 5, Issue 5, 1 November 1935, Page 1

Mr. and Mrs. F. White Celebrate their Golden Wedding

On October 28,1885, there was solemnised at the residence of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Switzer, Victoria Valley, an event of outstanding importance, not only to those participating, but to the whole district, the occasion being a triple wedding. The contracting parties were Frederick White and Violet Switzer, fhomas Richards and Agnes Switzer, Thomas Chapman and Lydia White. Additional interest was added owing to Lydia and Frederick being twins of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Henry White, and Violet the first white child born in the Valley. 'The Rev. Thompson of Mangonui officiated. [Mr. and Mrs. Richards are now residing at Awanui while Mrs. Chapman, since the death of her husband in Whangaroa fifteen years ago, has lived with her daughter, Mrs. Ben Trigg at Peria.

Last Monday Mr. and Mrs. White celebrated their Golden Wedding at the residence of their eldest son Eddie. The gathering comprised a large number of their descendants (there are 9 children, 25 grandchildren, and one great grandson), and a few intimate friends. After the wedding breakfast Mr. H. H. Thompson, a schoolmate of the Switzer family, in a happy and appropriate speech, extended congratulations to the bride and groom, and to Mrs. Chapman who was present. Mr. White and bis eldest son Eddie responded, the latter expressing all their delight at having the opportunity of celebrating the joyful occasion. As Mr. White and Mrs. Chapman celebrate their 80th birthday on November 14, they both extinguished the lighted caudles on a cake that was serving the dual purpose of wedding and birthday. Mr. J. Dawson who is a lifelong friend of the family, proposed the toast of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Maugham, next door neighbours of Mr. and Mrs. White, who celebrated their Golden Wedding over a year ago. Mr. Maugham, in reply, referred to the happy relations that had at all times existed between the two families. Other toasts were honoured in happy and pleasant vein, after which musical items led by Mrs. Rule and Miss McCormack, were greatly appreciated. After the singing of “God be with you till we meet again”, the happy gathering dispersed, grateful for having had the opportunity of assembling for such a pleasant occasion.