WEDDING AT LONG BUSH.

Southern Cross, Volume 7, Issue 41, 6 January 1900, Page 11

WEDDING AT LONG BUSH.

Mr and Mrs Jas. McKay, of Long Bash, had a crowd of guests at their home, Bushy Park, on the afternoon of the 27th December. It was the wedding-day of their daughter Mary, ex-mistress of Colac school, who was married to Angus McNeil, M.A., head teacher at the came place, and third son of Mr Hector McNeil, of Poreat Hill. Two of Southland’s early pioneer households, Highland families, moreover, werebeing brought into union. Amongst the many present from town and country to honour the auspicious event, there were noticeable numerous well-known old identities, as well as many representatives of the teaching

profession. At the ceremony, the Rer. E. Bissett officiating, the bride was led forward by her father, and in her lovely dress of bine silk lustre with yoke of white satin and trimmed with white silk braid, her appearance might well disarm the most critical observer. She was attended by her sister, Miss Annie McKay, who appeared in dove gray with white satin and ; silk braid trimmings. Each carried a beautiful bouquet and wore gold brooches presented by the bridegroom. The office of groomsman was sustained by Mr Arch. McNeil, brother of the bridegroom. There was no end of presents, and set out on tables they formed a display which found many admirers. The breakfast room was finely decorated, and its tastefully spread tables held fare that might meet the cravings either of hungry folk or of epicures. After all had given their diligent attention to these good things, Mr Jas, McKerchar, as chairman, stirred loyal feelings in an apt presentment of the toast of the Queen’s health, which was drunk with enthusiasm.

The next topic, ‘ Bride and Bridegroom,’ appropriately proposed by the Rev. Mr Bissett, was spoken to by Messrs Eric McKay and Stott, who testified from long acquaintance with either or both parties, how their wedlock held every promise of being the happiest. Then came Mr J. A. Mitchell, who, with mock gravity, stated a ‘ grievance.' How, he would like to know from the Education Board, was a teacher to give his school work the undivided attention it required, and have on hand a courtship at the same time. This was neatly countered in the remarks of the next speaker, Mr John Gray. Premising that the man who could carry two laudable enterprises to a successful issue, deserved the greater credit, he quoted from his personal knowledge so as to put the scholastic success beyond doubt, while pointing to the event of the day as sufficient assurance that the other enterprise had not miscarried either. ‘The bride’s parents,’ given by the chairman, supplemented by Mr Irving, gave opportunity for a very appreciative estimate of the career of Mr and Mrs McKay, beginning with their wedding in the early times of our district. Mr McKay acknowledged the hearty pledging of the toast, end referred to his fortunate lot in being cast among so many good friends. ‘ The bridegroom’s parents ’ then received a high tribute from Mr D. L. Matheson, who told of their long record of patient industry and stainless integrity, and expressed his appreciation of the worthy character Mr and Mrs McNeil had always borne. Mr D. McNeil briefly responded on behalf of his parents- In a few graceful sentences Mr Gresham proposed the bridesmaid’s health, and, to conclude, Mr Arch. McKellar put the claims of * the pioneers ’ to be honoured in a speech that gave the pilgrim fathers of Southland the place they deserve in local history. The guests then trooped out of doors to witness the departure of the wedded pair to the railway station en route for northern parts. Verbal felicitations were emphasised by a fusillade of rice. The pipers raised their shrill pibroch, ringing cheers sounded, and an ancient boot was cast forth as the bridal party drew off in one of Jopp’s equipages. Even while deluging the bride with rose leaves the ladies did not fail to note her handsome travelling costume, which was of brown face cloth, having revers of white and gold brocade and white silk vest, with which she wore a brown sailor hat. Then, while the older folk had a crack or a game of cards in the house, a dance under the guidance of Mr Jas. Mitchell was in lively progress in the commodious barn. Pipers K. Cameron, McLeod, and Gordon McKay varied the milder music of the orchestra with the strains of their pipes. Songs by Mrs Blue, Mr Irving, Miss Brown and others, and a recitation by Mr Mitchell were much appreciated. It was grey dawn, when, with ‘ Anld Lang Syne ’ and cheers for Mr and Mrs McKay a time of very

enjoyable social intercourse closed, speeding with its omen of like happy times the opening career of the two lives on that day new-nnited.