GOLDEN WEDDING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 164, 14 July 1933, Page 2

GOLDEN WEDDING

MB. AND MRS. JAMES CAMPION. A golden wedding of much interest in the Wanganui district was that of Air. wid Airs. James Campion, of “Okirae,” which was celebrated on Wednesday afternoon at their homestead, when the family and a few old friends assembled in honour of tho occasion. Tho reunion took place in the li Okirae” woolshed, which was effectively decorated with, native fern and bush greenery, and a large floral bell, under which Mr. and Airs. Campion sat to receive tho bouquets presented by their small grand-daughters at the conclusion of the wedding march. Airs. Leo Campion sang some delightful songs and a pretty item was a minuet in character, danced by six grandchildren wearing dainty Early Victorian frocks. Other items were also given by the young people. The health of the bride and bridegroom was proposed by Air. J. Bryce, of Hinau, who in a very happy speech referred to the outstanding qualities of the guests of honour, the hospitality they had always extended to their friends and to their -generosity and helpfulness at all times. Mr. j. Campion, in a neat speech, suitably replied and concluded with the following lines: We belong to the good old times, And may bo thought too slow; But give me the good old days Of fifty years ago. Air. R. E. Beckett, of Hinau, proposed the health of the bridesmaids, all of whom were present. They were Airs. Duncan Cameron, of Napier; Airs. H. Cave, of Palmerston North; and Aliss Al. AfcDoncll, sisters of the bride of 50 years ago. The toast was replied to by Air. L. C. Hanna. Air. T. H. Harina, of Auckland, proposed the toast of the pioneers who blazed the trail, and spoke of the hardships they had endured, hardships that had made life easy for the present generation. He paid tribute to them for all that had been accomplished through their efforts. Mr. Roy Campion replied. On tho centre of the table was a beautifully iced three-tiered cake, which was cut by Airs. J. Campion to the accompaniment of musical honours. Numerous telegrams, lovely floral tokens and presents wore received, among the latter being a wireless set. A unique feature was tho presence of Mrs. Duncan Balmer, of Ashhurst, who played the music at the dance hold after the wedding 50 years ago. She also played at the celebration on Wednesday and delighted her hearers with many old-fashioned tunes, including Scotch dances, which were enjoyed by both the present and past generation. Among those present wore: Airs. Robert, Stevens, of Dannevirke, (sister of the bridegroom), Mrs. J. Bryce, of Hinau (sister of tho bridegroom), Airs. F. Bryce (sister of the bridegroom), Airs. J. Beard, Mrs. James Macdonald, Aliss Jessie Alacdonald, Airs. J. Higgie and son (Wanganui), Airs. J. Baldwin and daughter (Turakina Valley), Airs. R. E. Beckett (Hinau). Miss N. E. Brown (Dannevirke), Aliss L. Bailey (Sandon), Air, and Airs. E. H. McDonald and Miss Molly McDonald (Wanganui), Aliss D. Polson, Mrs. Georgctti (Gisborne), Mrs. L. C. Hanna (Dannevirke), Air. and Airs. Leo Campion, Air. and Afrs. Desmond Campion, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Campion, Aliss K. Cullinane. Afrs. Cave (Palmerston North), Misses AT. and C. McDonell, Miss C. Balmer, Aliss K. Cullinane; Messrs. Tan Higgie, Tan Cameron, G. McDonald, L. C. Hanna, and W. Alacdonald. Air. and Airs. Campion have six surviving children, three sons and three daughters, and there are about fifteen grand-children. Mr. and Airs. Campion were married at Kauangaroa, the place being within half «- mile of their present; residence.