ROMANTIC SMITHY.

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17466, 28 July 1928, Page 15 (Supplement)

ROMANTIC SMITHY.

GRETNA GREEN BRIDES.

There has been a sudden boom in romance in Gretna Green, in spite of Its growing modern surroundings. The River Sark continues, as of old, to be the all-safe signal for runaway couples, as, in its tortuous windings, it traces the border line between England and Scotland, and dreamily whispers over its countless white pebbles and around the old blacksmith's shop, whose walls are now gnarled with age. The smithy still remains a spot where the romantic can conjure up visions of beruffled gallants, prancing horses, furtive glances from the closely hooded faces of fair maidens, and irate fathers. Mr Richard Rennison, who succeeded to the post of blacksmith-priest last October last month married 16 couples. "This is a record for the last 100 years as far as I can discover," he said. "I married four couples in one day. That was during the Easter rush. Since last October I have married 70 couples. "It takes only a few moments. I ask them if they are both single and if one of them has lived in Scotland for 21 days. "I have received a number of letters recently asking if dates can be fixed for ceremonies. My charge for a marriage is £l, including witnesses. "Usually people just call without giving notice."