A REMARKABLE WEDDING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2087, 22 February 1894, Page 46

A REMARKABLE WEDDING.

Dear Bmmbline, — It was my good fortune to be present about a fortnight ago at what I suppose was the first rational dress wedding in New Zealand. The bride was Miss Kate Walker, an old Danedin High School girl, who has been for many years a teacher under the North Canterbury Board of Education, the bridegroom, Mr J. R. Wilkinson, M.A., librarian of Canterbury College ; both being strong supporters of the rational dress movement. The wedding took place at 11 Aborima," Christchurch, the house of Mrs D. W.M. Burn, also a prominent supporter of the movement ; and amorjg the gueßts were tbe bride's sister, Miss Nelly Walker, Miss Eva Meredith, and Miss Parry, all attired in tasteful knicker costumes. The Rev. L. M. Isitt, himself a sympathiser in the great reform of women's dress, performed the oeremony. A brief description of the costumes may be of interest to your readers. The style was, with one exception, alike throughout — viz , knickers, not too full, long vest, and slightly longer coat, with revers worn open. Mrs Wilkinson wore stone blue bengaline coat and knickers, cream gold-embroidered vest, a wreath of natural flowers, and bridal veil draped prettily, but not covering the face as usual. Miss Walker wore a suit of lemon merveilleux satin, the close-fitting tunic being trimmed with rich lace and edged with a ruching of itself ; the general effect somewhat suggestive of a Russian skating dress. Mrs Barn wore a suit similar to the bride's, but of gold brown cashmere, the vest trimmed with broad silk embroidery, and tbe edges of the coat finished with gold cord; to my taste the most effective costume of the whole. Miss Parry's suit was of navy blue clotb, the vest trimmed with gold tineel gimp, and the soat edged with gold cord. Miss Meredith's suit was of a crimson corded staff, the coat finished with silver cord, and the vest with broad cream silk braid. The gentlemen of the party, with two exceptions, wore knicker dress also. Daring the afternoon the bride and bridegroom left for Lyttelton, on their way to Governor's Bay for a week's modified camping out, leaving the rest of the party to finish the day in fun and frolic. A largesize photograph of the wedding party is being exhibited in Messrs Standish and Preece's showrooms, and is attracting considerable attention.— CabmilliA.