ORANGE BLOSSOMS.

Southern Cross, Volume 7, Issue 35, 25 November 1899, Page 9

ORANGE BLOSSOMS.

McKILLOP—THOMSON. On Wednesday last Riverside, the residence of Mr John Thomson, was the scene of wedding festivities which all those present will long’ recall with pleasure. The occasion was the marriage of Mr Thomson’s eldest daughter, Helen, to Mr D. S. McKillop, teacher, Elderslie. By two o’clock a crowd of guests from far and near had assembled, and, in their presence, the Rev. Mr Baird adjusted the nuptial bonds. The bride, as she was led forward by her father to be formally given away, was the cynosure of many admiring eyes. She was attired in cream surah silk, draped with silk lace and orange blossoms, over which fell a beautiful veil fastened with a gold crescent brooch, the gift of the bridegroom, while the shower bouquet she bore lent the whole a touch of artistic finish. By her stood a bevy of bridesmaids, completing a group of the fair sex it were hard to excel. Miss Janet Thomson, and Miss Lizzie McKillop, sisters respectively of the bride and bridegroom, both appeared in cream crepon, trimmed with green silk and cream lace and looped with pink roses, with picture hats of cream lace and pink roses, wearing green sashes and carrying bouquets of cream roses. Two little girls, sisters of the bride, Misses Maggie and Annie, wore white muslin trimmed with pink silk with hats to match, and bearing baskets of cream roses. The bridegroom was supported by hks brother, Mr Donald McKillop, and Mr D. McNeil. After the ceremony many of the guests went to admire the large and costly variety of presents displayed in a separate room. These comprised cheques, silverware, furniture, and a large assortment of choice articles too numerous to specify. The register having been signed, the bridal party led the way to the banquet room, which was decorated with greenery and flowers. The tables, at which over 200 guests sat, were not only beautifully laid, but the spread was, by unanimous verdict, after all had diligently applied themselves to its consumption, simply lavish in quality and quantity. Mr E. R. Kidd, as chairman, referred to the recognised integrity and high standing in the community of the numerous representatives of the house of Thomson. He had seen the host’s land once a wilderness, bat now transformed into a splendid farm. He congratulated Mr and

Mrs Thomson on the happy occasion of the first marriage in their family and on the altogether worthy style in which they were celebrating it. Loyal toasts having been honoured, Mr John Gray, Dipton, proposed the “ Bride and Bridegroom ” in happy terms. From a long acquaintance with the latter, the speaker presented a series of entertaining glimpses into his career, including the courtship. To this toast, musically honoured, Mr McKillop made brief and fitting response, deprecating eulogy of himself, but endorsing the good fortune attributed to him on that occasion. Mr Horan, entrusted with the “ Host and Hostess,” in his happiest vein, told the matrimonial history cf one generation of Thomsons, and, coming to the subjects of the toast, showed how they had attained success and won respect by greatly deserving both. Mr Thomson, in expressing his thanks for the general goodwill manifested, said he was pleased to see so many guests despite the rain and attractions elsewhere. He bid them heartily welcome, amd wished all would enjoy themselves to the full. Mr Alex, Sutherland gave “ The Bridesmaids,” praising them for their graceful filling of their office, and venturing the hope that they might in due time be the central figures in wedding scenes of the future. Mr McNeil replied for them, holding that they had that day aided in a good work in bringing two people to the estate of marriage—a happier condition by much than" celibacy, which fact he knew well from being assured of it so often. The step taken formed an excellent much-needed example, which he trusted would be speedily copied by all those in a position to do so. Mr Peter Thomson genially pro posed The Visitors,” coupled with the name of Mr Blackwood, who raised much merriment by his reminiscences of early and past associations of his own with the Thomson household. The Rev. Mr Baird, by general desire, took up the running at this point, and after some general remarks, tendered some very kindly counsel to the wedded pair. “ The Press ” was allotted to Mr Wilson, who brought j out the importance of the “ Fourth j Estate ” by reference to the stirring 1 times through which we are passing. Mr Keay, in acknowledging, humourously descanted on Pulpit, Press, and Petticoat, any of which might become paramount according to a man’s point of view. Mr Keay’s Irish dialect recitations, given in the course of the toasting, were really good. Mr and Mrs Wilson and Mr McKillop also sang acceptably. Later on Mr J. Gr. Ward, who with Mrs Ward, arrived from the railway opening at Hedgehope, contributed songs, and proved that the strain of politics had not disabled him from enjoying himself and contributing to others’ enjoyment. The ball at night was entered into with zest by the large number who arrived in the course of the evening. The music was in good hands ; the dresses were pretty ; and with Messrs Aiex. Sutherland and Thos. Lang as M’s.C. all went merry as a marriage bell.