A GOLDEN WEDDING.

West Coast Times, Issue 3146, 4 November 1875, Page 2

A GOLDEN WEDDING.

A Golden Wedding day in the colonies is a- circumstance of such unusual note, that the irienJs of Mr John Lazar, on ascertaining that he and Mrs Lazar were to celebrate their fiftieth weddinz day on Tuesday last, determined npon recognising the event by a general festivity, and accordingly a number of gentlemen invited Mr Lazar to the Empire Hotel at ei^bt o'clock, where a suitable repast had been provided, to which between fifty and sixty sat down, Mr F. C. Tabart, Mayor, occupying the chair, with the guest of the evening on his rigut, and Mr R. O. Reid in the vice-chair.

After the usual loyal toasts had been drunk, the chairman requested the company to join him in a bumper pledge to the old and respected couple whose fiftieth wedding day they hud met to celebrate He reviewed Mr Lazar's career in the colonies, extending over a period of nearly fifty yeiirs, during which time he had filled many high and responsible offices in this and the neighboring colonies. For three successive years he had been Mayor of Adelaide, where the family had been held in the highest respect. Subsequently he bad occupied the position of Town Clerk in Dunedin, and during his nine years residence in Hokitika, Mr Lazar had filled with the fullest efficiency, the office of Town Clerk, and afterwards that of Provincial Treasurer. All were aware ot his relationship to the Masonic bodies of f his Colony, he being what might be termed the father or grandlather of the Craft in New Zealand. In that capacity he had not only founded the Grand Lodges under the various conatiutions, but since he had been District Grand Master in Westland he had installed nearly all the Masters m Masonry and had consecrated raaay of the lodges, which under his direction are now in a most flourishing coudition. In social circles there were few, if any, who commanded more general respect, and the meeting this evening must be accepted as a testimony of the friendship and regard entertained towards the venerable couple, who were united in wedlock fifty years ago, and who yet retain health and strength under the beneficence of a kind Providence, together with the best wishes of their fellow citizeni for a continuance of their united happy lives. The toast was drunk with the greatest enthusiasm, and Mr Lazar responded in most feeling terms, thanking those present tor the unexpected compliment which had been paid him, a compliment which was surrounded with so many personal reminiscences that he felt no ordinary amount of difficulty iv giving vent to his appreciation of the kind sentimeuts of the Mayor, and the hearty responses of those assembled. He had now attained the age of half a gross, and though during his lengthened life he had frequently been called upon to respond, in one way or other, to the mention ot his name in connection with some public or private testimony, he had never experienced a more gratifying compliment than the present. The Vice-Chairman proposed the health of Mr Samuel Lazar, the youngest son of the guest, who was known to many present as a genial and hearty companion in social life, and a zealous and enterprising man of the world ; one who had done a great deal to raise the standard of the dram-i on the Colonial stage, and who was no v reaping the ricn harvest of the good crop sown by his father. All who knew him, could testify that he was a true and genuine "chip of the old block," and in toasting his health it would be conveying their appreciation of a faithful son. Mr Lazar ieplied in kind terms, relating some amusing anecdotes respecting his early life in the Colonies. Mr Bevan proposed the health of Mrs Lazar, appropriately referring to the general esteem in which both were held by j all classes of the community, and concluded the toast by the following lines hurriedly prepared by him for the occasion :—: — Come fill out the roßy wine I pray, To do homage to this wedding day, 'Tis seldom through life that man can boast The honor of such a joyful toast. Joyful indeed 'tis summ'd up in this, Fifty long years of sweet wedded bliss, Bliss undivided where lore ne'er departs, But tenderly strengthens two faithful hearts. For the Golden Wed.ling let three cheers ring. To the thrice happy pair long life we sing, May the Father of all for ever bless, And surround them with ev'ry happiness. The toast was heartily responded to, and Mr Lazar again suitably acknowledged the compliment. A number of toasts and songs followed, and a most enjoyable evening was spent, the company breaking up about midnight, when a number of the party serenaded tfr Lazar to his own house, where three hearty cheers were given outside the gate, alternately, for Mr, Mrs, and Miss Lazar We may mention that during the day and evening a number of gifts were sent to the house of the golden bridal party, as

small mementos of their wedding day. One of these bore the fallowing lines locally written for the occasion : — Just fflyf |y years ago, a youthful pair fJ|igh,te;| their troth, and swqre through life to share, Whether for weal or woe, their mutua] }ot; "Jhey 3(;i}l are spared, and share a happy

coc. Blesaed now with sons, marked men of enterprise, By rapid wings, in fortune, safe to rise, And daughters too, accomplished and esteemed, Like'l6' their parents, who have aye been deemed As honest, worthy folks. Ah I There h.e stands, The old grey hairs that reverence commands Are showing forth, and not before th^c^iine, When fifty summers in a' tropic c(iine '* ' Have passed o'er head, and agfl'cjfeeps on apace, • -* l=l Though fleeting time has marked your furrowed face, Your peaceful Day benevolence endears; Your Night congratulating conscience cheers; A general favorite as a general friend, Such age is yours, and who shall wish it end? Accept on this your golden wedding day, This humble tribute of regard; and pray Judge not its value at intrinsic price; Believe its terms of lineal device, Which surely shall be echoed near and far; Still long aad happy life — to John Lazar. Hokitika, N.Z., 2nd November, 1875.