MARRIAGE OF MR. CYRIL WARD.

Otago Witness, Issue 2856, 9 December 1908, Page 36

MARRIAGE OF MR . CYRIL WARD.

PRIME MINISTER'S SILVEB WEDDING. A BRILLIANT FUNCTION. WELLINGTON, December 6. The very large gathering of people of all sections of the community, and all shades of opinions, at Awarua House on Saturday afternoon, on the occasion of the marriage of the Prime Minister's eldest son, Cyril, to Miss Davidson, was a notable tribute to the personal popularity of Sir Joseph and Lady Ward. The basilica m High street, in wfaich the marriage was solemnised, was beautifully decorated with aurum Klies, roses, and palms. The pTetty church was crowded to the doors, mostly with the invited guests, and a great crowd gathered outside on the wide-spreading steps — an ideal vantage pomt — to watch the gay scene before and after the ceremony. While waiting for the wedding party, the organist played delightful music. A little stir of interest announced the arrival of Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, with the rest of the relatives. Lady Ward is always charmingly gowned, but on Saturday she vras a perfect picture. | The bride entered on the arm of her brother, Mr Davidson, of Brisbane, who gave her away. She was charmingly girlish and sweet — a real Dana Gibson bride — with her delicate colouring and features and artistic simplicity of dress. Her two bridesmaids were Miss Ward and Miss Gladys Webster. Perhaps one of the most important, and certainly one of the most decorative, persons in the bridal group was Master Pat Ward, who wore white satin and silver court dress, and carried a tricorne hat and flowery crook. The best man was Mr W. Prouse, and the Officiating priest was Father Hickson. As the bridal party passed down the aisle, and the guests followed, high above the organ notes of the Wedding March rang out clear and sweet trumpet tones, and a whisper ran through the crowd, " The King's trumpeter!" The guests stayed to listen to the glorious music until it ceased. Later, in Awarua House, at the door of the beautiful drawing room, decorated with many roses and cleared of furniture bave for the tables bearing the two wedding cakes, Sir Joseph and Lady Ward received their guests, who then went on J

to offer their congratulations to the brid« and the bridegroom. Then came the inevitable refreshments, all sorts of dainty fare being set out. The long corridor made a most delightful lounge, and in the morning room and billiard room were laid out the presents, those given to Sir Joseph and Lady Ward being in the former. There, too, was the handsome cabinet which with a touch displayed, glasses and spirit stands, given by Lady* Ward to her nusband, and' all round the i*oom was set a bewildering array of silver. In the billiard- room the great table was brilliant with glass and silver, glittering under the electric lights. Among the many splendid gifts a large silver-mounted mirror and the most artistic of clocks — the dial guarded by an exquisite female figure — attracted the eye. The beautiful-centre-piece of hanging baskets in pierced silver, given by Ministers, was much admired. Books by famous writers, and bound as they deserved to be, there were among the presents.

The speeches were few. short, and cheery, the Prime Minister's dear voice . Tinging out above the rustle and whispers 1 of the great crowd in happiest sentimentsfor the future of the young couple. The allusion to Pat Ward's possible waddingon his parents' golden wedding day 25 years hence was received with shouts of appreciative laughter. "When an adjournment was made to ther lawn the delicate tints and textures of the frocks received new beauty from- the setting of green foliage, and there were gowns there the debut of which had been heralded by much conjecture and interest. "■ A «battery of cameras memorialised ther brilliant scene. In a place of honour in the largest group was plated Mr Short, the King's trumpeter, with his gleaming silver trumpet. Later on, in that period of waiting for the departure of the bride - and bridegroom, Mr Short played some exquisite selections. Schubert's Serenade was something to remember always. The newly-wedded pair bad to run the gauntlet/ o£ a storm of confetti as they passed down the steps into their carriage. There Sir Joseph and Lady Ward said good-bye, and amid rousing cheers and ' many farewells the carriage rolled off. As the Prime Minister and his wife remounted the steps they in turn were pelted with showers of confetti, and eager inquiries as to whah they were to leave for their honeymoonr It was late before the guests left, but there is an irresistible magnetism about the atmosphere of Awarua House, and the splendid hospitality of last Saturday called for foil anddeliberate appreciation.