GOLDEN WEDDING

Taranaki Daily News, 10 June 1931, Page 6

GOLDEN WEDDING

MR. AND MRS. G. W. BURGHAM. CELEBRATIONS AT TOKO. Scenes of enthusiasm were witnessed at the golden wedding celebrations of -Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Burgham on Monday night in the 'Joko hall. Over 150 guests, some from long distances, were present. Mr. and Mrs. Burgham were married at St. Mary’s Church, Bilston, Staffordshire, Mrs. Burgham being Miss Georgina Preston. Five years after their marriage the young couple came to New Zealand, where they experienced many changes of fortune before settling at Toko° in 1907, twenty-four years ago next August. The family has been exceedingly popular in the district and has taken a leading part in all social-and sporting events. The Rev. G. T. Beale presided and after a delightful supper proposed the health of the bride and bridegroom, which was drrunk in an enthusiastic manner. Mr. Burgham received an ovation upon rising to respond. Other toasts honoured, were: The Burgham family, proposed by Mr. >l. B. Hine and acknowledged by Mr. Richard Burgham; Our Guests, Air. Burgham sour.—Mr. G. W. Were; The Pioneers, Mr. T. T. Murray —Mr. F. Chapman, Douglas; Old and Absent Friends, Mr. E. Walter—Mr. F. Bell; the chairman, proposed by Mr. L. Martin. Each speaker paid tributes to Mr. and Mrs. Burgham and the anniversary was celebrated in a manner so enjoyable that it will live long in the memories of those who attended. “I have never been at a gathering of its like before,” said one of the speakers afterwards. Air. H. Alilne, Waiwiri Road, the oldest settler in the Toko distirct to-day, who took his present farm in 1889, on behalf of the settlers presented Air. and Mrs. Burgham with a gold-coloured silk eiderdown, dainty china and a bedroom clock. Alany other gifts were sent by friends and members of the family. Following the toast list songs were sung to the accompaniment of Air. J. Edmondson, by Mrs. E. Walter, Aliss C. Milne, Air. G. Burgham and Air. Beale. A dance followed. DEATH OF ELTHAM RESIDENT. AIR., JAMES PHILLIPS. Air. James Phillips, one of Eltham’s oldest and most esteemed residents, passed away on Alonday night after a short illness, at the age of 78 years. Air. Phillips came to New Zealand and resided at Afangatoki for, many years, and then moved to Eltham. He always took a keen interest in public affairs. While at Mangatoki he served for many years on the directorate of the Alangatoki dairy factory. He was afterwards a member of the Eltham Borough Council. He also took great interest in various lodges, being at one time master of the Eltham Alasonic Lodge, afterwards attaining high rank in the Grand Lodge of Alasonry. He was also a Justice of the Peace.

He leaves a widow and seven children and numerous grandchildren. The sons are Messrs. J. Phillips (Eltham), AL Phillips (Toko) and Jack Phillips (Ngaire), and the daughters Airs. Webby (Oeo Road), Airs. F. E.- Bocock (Ngaere), Mrs. J. Garner (Tikorangi) and Miss Jean Phillips (Eltham).

GOLF AT MANGAMINGI. NUAIBER OF PLAYERS GROWING. Golf is proving very popular at Mangamingi, and last week-end .there were over 30 players on the course, some interesting games resulting. In the play for the flag match S. Addenbrooke, who carried the flag to the 19th hole, came out on top, and Airs. Hardwick-Smith returned the best card for the ladies, carrying the flag to the 16th hole. Addenbrooke and P. Hickey are the most improved players to date, and the former’s handicap has been reduced from 29 to 24, and the latter’s from 36 to 30. GENERAL ITEMS. At her home last 'week Mrs. Hendrickson, Castle Street, Eltham, fell and suffered considerable injury, sustaining a broken elbow and a rib, in addition to minor bruises and shock. Airs. Hendrickson was conveyed to hospital, where she is progressing satisfactorily. While on annual leave last week Air. J. R. Dennis, of the Eltham railway station staff, met with an accident and is now an inmate of the Taihape hospital with a broken ankle. He will be unable to continue his duties for some time, and a relieving porter, Air. J. Seabrooke, has been appointed from Wanganui. KING’S THEATRE PROGRAMME. ‘■DYNAMITE” DISTINCTIVE. Cecil’ B. De Mille’s “Dynamite,’ Aletro-Goldwyn-Alayer picture playing at the King’s Theatre, is a distinct departure from the type of vehicle lie has been making for the past three years, as represented by “The Ten Commandments,” “King, of Kings” and “The Godless Girl.” These were stories with a religious background. “Dynamite,” however, of the type of “Alanslaughte.r,” and “Alale and Female,” abounds in up-to-the-second situations, and the gowns, sets and general investiture which have become a by-word in De Alille’s productions of this type. The main protagonists are a coal miner, condemned to hang in the first part of the story; a young lady whose fortune depends on her success at marriage; her fiance, Roger —and Roger’s wife!