NEWS FROM COUNTRY DISTRICTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12408, 22 October 1903, Page 3

NEWS FROM COUNTRY DISTRICTS.

[fkom our OWN COBBESrONDE.VI'S.'i \ , : . TH AWAMUTU. .A yiiflY large gathering of friends and old settlers met together at Te Rahu on Tuesday ■:.-<'.. filing last to celebrate Mr. and Mrs. James ■ Weal's golden wedding. The schoolroom was ; • nicely decorated lor the occasion. The guests were welcomed by Mr. Tims. Weal, the eldest son of the aged couple. It was just ■•> *So years ago that, day since Mr. James Weal t e ",iiis native Hind with his old regiment, the 40th. Mr. John Mandeno, being one of the happy couple's oldest acquaintances, proposed their health, and in doing *. spoke of .'/ tho many good turns the Weals had done nun in the early days. As to Mr. Weal, they naa worked together, and trusted that the country was better lor their work. The descendants, he mentioned, numbered nearly half a century. Mr. Weal, who looked every ■ ■ :i inch an old soldier as he stood under the Union Jack with his war medals en. thanked , all those present for the very kind manner ■ in which their health had been proposed and . received. It was a pleasure to meet so many • : old friends. During the evening dancing was ;?•', indulged in by the young people, while the , old settlers assembled in the dwellinghouse, •-"'■' where numerous toasts were proposed ami duly _ honoured. Tho aged couple were the recipients of a large number of presents, and were presented with a bridal bouquet. They reft for Botorua en Wednesday.