MARRIAGE AT KUMARA.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIX, Issue 21, 20 February 1891, Page 19

MARRIAGE AT KUMARA.

(From an occasional Correspondent.) Kumara, February 7. Ax event of unusual importance took place in St. Patiick's Church, on Thursday, tbe sth innt., it being the occasion of unitingin wedlock bonds Vlisi Johanna Maria Healy an 1 Mi. John Joseph Halpin. The former hailed from Pfttricksweil, the latter from Carrigmartin, both of county Limerick. Although th^ ox\ct date on which th= event was to tike place waa not publicly known, yet it was fathomed by the knowing ones, and, as is inevitable in such c-ises, broadly circulated. For a few wp»-ks previous to the nuptial day, from Kumara, Greymouth, and Grey Valley, numerous in 1 costlj presents poured in freely to the intended bride, from her many well wibhers, as emblems of their profound regard for h"r, and to attest their appreciation of her many sterling qualitus. The sth February came. A d.y of nngnifi-3"ut splendour. Long before th« appointed h»ur, crowds from the town and suburbs streamed into the church to witness the nuptial ceremonies The marriage was uerformed by the Rev. Father O'Hallaban, assisted by the Uev. Father McManug (Koss). and the ßßay.» a y. Father Walshe (Kumara). Miss Martin acted a* bridesmaid. Mr. Harry Griffin, Greymouth, as bridesman. Mr. Patrick Chambprs tad the pleading duty to perform of giving away the bride, who was most beautifully arrayed in a light fawn coloured cashmere, trimmed with watered silk of the same shade, witn a court train. The front of tbe bodice was trimmed with Maltese lace, V shaped, with a Aleiici collir. She also wore a wreath of orange blossoms, with a white tulle veil reaching to the end of the train. In her lignt hand she carried a bouquet, mo9t artlaiically woven by the bridesmaid. The bride, thus environed b ■ these rich robes, looked delightfully handsome, as did als > the bridesmaid in the neatly DeCOming urU^S SLI" wuie, Tub uiiuub iiavd'uu^ ilicea *v ttb ul o umk green canhmeie, trimmed with dark green figure 1 silk. A solemn nuptial High Mass was then celebrated. The He y. Father O'Hallahan acted as celebrant, the Rev. Fathers McManus and Walshe deacon and sub- leacon respectively. A full choir attended. The " Wedding M*rch," vv^s played, as the happy couple were leaving the church, by Miss McK^ofjan. Then the loving pair, accompanied by their friends and relatives repaired to the presbytery, where they enjoyed the contents of a table that groaned under the most delicious edibles. After each and all had amply satisfied their inner requirements, the Rev. Father O'Hallahan asked the company "to drink with acclamation to tbe health, future happiness, and prosperity of Mrs.

Halpin. ' The rev. gentleman, in admirably chosen language, paid the highest tributes to Mrs. Halpin for her "unrivalled qualifications, sincerity, and trustworthiness"; and also passed the highest encomiums upon Mr. Halpin, whom be had also known for a number of years. It is needless to say that the champagne was immediately seen to sparkle, and the toast drunk with all due honours, after which Mr. Halpin. briefly and suitably responded. Mr. James Bngg's livery stable snpplied a pair of well-bred steeds and wellequipped carriage, in which the fond couple, so lately joined by Hymen's belt, comfortably arranged themselves, and started for the Gorge exactly at noon to spend, as the phrase is, their "sweet honeymoon." Thus ended the imposing ceremonies, and the newlymarried pair left, carrying with th^m the most sincere wishes of many admiring frisnds, not only in Kumara, but even in Greymouth and the Grey Valley, where they had been well, favourably, and intimately known.