DIAMOND WEDDING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22099, 1 November 1933, Page 5

DIAMOND WEDDING

MR AND MRS G. DABINETT CELEBRATION AT MILTON. It does not fall to the lot of many couples to celebrate the diamond jubilee of their wedding and have the “ best man ” present to help in the celebrations. Mr and Mrs G. Dabinett, two early pioneers, celebrated their diamond wedding, in Milton on Monday, and were the recipients of many congratulations from friends, relatives, local bodies, and churches in many parts of the country.

Mr Dabinett, who will be 87 years of age in December, came to this province from Somersetshire in his early youth, while Mrs Dabinett (nee Young), who will be 83 years next month, was one of the first girls born in Dunedin. Married at Warepa by the Rev. John Waters in 1873, the young couple removed to the Gatlins district not long after. Their home was well known as the centre of generous hospitality, and the store of Dabinett and Young was a landmark in early Owaka, before the township was built on its present site. Mr Dabinett was well versed in first aid, and in those days when a doctor was beyond call in many cases his services were of great value. He abstracted teeth and set broken limbs, and Mrs Dabinett often turned her parlour into a temporary hospital. Leaving Owaka 35 years ago, they went farming m South Canterbury, being well known in the Fairlie district. Mr'and Mrs Dabinett retired and settled at Milton about' 1915. In every locality Mr Dabinett has served on local bodies and as a justice of the pence. Their residence in Springfield road,. Milton, was beautifully decorated for the celebration in a colour scheme of purple and gold relieved by clematis, rosebuds, and Lily of the Valley. The bride of 187 S, wearing a black satin frock and a bouquet of gold tulips and purple aquilegias, entered on the arm ot the bridegroom and was supported by Mr Charles Dabinett, "best man,” accompanied by Mrs H. Green, the daughter of the bridesmaid. Mr W. Reay (Waronui), in a brief speech extended the congratulations of those present, and wished Mr and Mrs Dabinett many years of health in the evening of life; Mr W. Falconer (Owaka) spoke of their early days in that district, and told the younger ones present of the religious revival which took place there and with which Mr and Mrs Dabinett were associated. Brief speeches were also made by the Kev. H. R. Turner (Roslyn) and the Rev. G. C. Reay (Mornington). Musical items were rendered by Mrs G. 0. Reay, Mrs Pinkerton (Timaru), Miss Churchward (Dunedin), Mr J. Stephens (Dunedin), and the Rev. and Mrs Turner. ... Mr Dabinett fittingly returned thanks and told some stories of long ago. Mrs Dabinett also expressed her appreciation. “It gives me great pleasure,” she said, “to see you all here. Some of you 1 have not seen for a long time. ... I hope you have enjoyed yourselves and gained profit both spiritually and phys>cally.” , , Just as the two-tiered, diamond-shaped cake had been cut and handed round another handsomely-decorated wedding cake arrived by messenger from relatives at Lawrence. The concluding Hem was one of great interest. Mrs Dabinett and Mrs Tweed (Lovell’s Flat), , who had been friends as girls and had often sung together then and through the years had maintained the’ friendship, sang the duet “Oh Come Let Us Go to the Eden Above.” The guests included Mrs - A. Dabinett. Miss Tweed (Lovell’s Flat), Mrs D. M’Nutt (Owaka); the Misses Young and Mr S. Young (Tuapeka West), Mrs W. Reay, Miss P. Reay, and Mr E. J. Reay (Waronui), Mrs J. Petrie. Mr R. Todd, Mr 0. Green (Waimate), Mrs D. Looriies (Albury), Mrs Stephens (Dunedin), and Mr A. Sinclair (Owaka).