AN INTERESTING MARRIAGE.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIX, Issue 7, 14 November 1890, Page 5

AN INTERESTING MARRIAGE.

(From an occasional correspondent.) Wedn ssday, November 5, 1890, will long be remembered by those whose privilege it was to be present at the marriage of Miss Katie J. Walsh, of Pukerau, to Mr. Thomas Lynch, of the Railway Service — whe, perhaps, is better known at one of Otago's most prominent footba lers— which took place at Mr. Richard Walsh's hotel at Pukeiviu on tbat day. Miss Walsn, who is well known in Dunedin, when she was an important and valued member of St. Joseph's choir for a long time, has, tince her removal to live with her brother at fukerau, been leader of tbe Gore Catholic choir, the very existence of which is almost entirely due to her efforts and attention, and has won golden opinions from all parties, not only on account of her musical abilities, but also because of her willing assistance in all matter! of local interest ; and it is, therefore, not to be wondered at that the Gore Catholics should choose tbe occasion of her marriage as an appropriate one for bestowing upon her some suitable recognition of her services. — The wedding party was not a very large one, being composed chiefly of the immediate personal friends of the parties, with some of the more prominent members of the choir ; bat there was, nevertheless, a considerable number present. An altar was tastefully fitted up in one of the rooms of the Pukerau Hotel, and Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Father Newport, of Gore, who also very impressively performed the marriage ceremony.— The bride, who wai very neatly and charmingly dressed in claret surah silk and wore the orthodox veil and orange blossom wreath, wag attended by Hiss Cantwell (of Dunedin), Miss Kitty O'Hxgen (of Pukerau), and Miss Katie Mulvio (of Gore) as bridesmaids, who were also very prettily attired and formed with the bride an elegant group ; Mr. D. Popple* well (of Rav.nsbourne) stood by the bridegroom. — When the ceremony was finished, and tbe couple had received the hearty congratulat'ons of those present, Miss Katie ttuivie, on behalf of the Gore choir and parishioners, read the following address to the bride :—: — "To MifsWalsb, on the occasion of her mairiage, Novembers. 1890. "We, the members of the Catholic choir and not a tew of tbe congregation, desire to offer yon our hearty felicitat.ona on this happy day. We deeply regret to have to pare with one who has so many sterling qualities, who has made herself a general favourite, and whose cultivated voice has so often resounded in our little church to raise our hearts iv sweet melody to Heaven above. We are well aware of the many sacrifices you have made to be amongst us, as leader of our choir, on festive days— fatigue or the inclemency of the weather proving no obstacle. We venture to hope tbat your lot may yet be cast among us, that your dulcet tones may still rejoice us, and that you may continue what you have succeeded in making such a success. In conclusion, we wish you and your fortunate parcner a long life of prosperity, full cf peace and happiness. We beg your acceptance of these souvenirs, which, by a long way, fail to express our appreciation of you. — Signed on behalf of the choir and congregation, Mary Green, Nora Mnlvey, Mary Giifien, Mary Flanagan, Maggie Collins, Mary Han ley, Nano O'Connor, Bridget Heher, Mary O'Kane, Bllie Collinß, Mary Holland, Bridget Ward, Nora Green, and others." Tbe address, which was most beautifully engrossed and illuminated by Mr, J. King of Gore and elegantly mounted, was accompanied by the presentation of a splendid marble time-piece with a silver mounted biscuit barrel, butter dish, and silver cruet, all suitably inscribed. Both tbe address and the presentation will form m «st pleasing mementoes of the occasion, and the happy relations which have always existed between Miss Walsh and the Catholic congregation of Gore. The bride also received unmerous other useful and valuable presents, including table ware in silver and china, books, furniture, etc. Tbe ceremony over, the whole party Bat down to a substantial breakfast, during which the health of the bride and bridegroom was drunk in bumpers, und tbe other toasts appropriate tv such occasions were duly honoured and responded to. The happy couple left by the northern express, amid a shower of go >d wishes and rice, for their new home ut Balclutba, where Mr. Lynch is now stationed.