KAIAPOI

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIV, Issue 45, 5 March 1897, Page 15

KAIAPOI

Tht church at Kaiapoi was filled on Wednesday. February 21. to witness the union in the holy bonds (it matrimony of Mr. Alfred Kirk, son of Mr. Kirk of Opawa. and Miss May O'Neill, eldest daughter of Mr. Patrick O'Neill of Church Bush. Owing to the protracted illness of the Rev. Father O'Connor, the ceremony was performed by the Rev. Father Malonc. ol St. Mary's, Christchurch,

The bride, who looked charming, waß dressed in cream serge, the bodice trimmed with cream merveillieux and spray of orange blossoms, and she wore the customary wreath and veil. The bridesmaids. Misses Kate and Annie O'Neill, sisters of the bride, looked very pretty in grey tweed dresses, trimmed with blue sat'n, and wore picture hats with wreaths of forget-me-nots. Mr. McAdams, of Christchurch, was best man. After the ceremony the wedding party, who were conveyed in a carriage with a handsome pair of greys, attended by about a dozen vehicles, drove to the residence of the bride's parents. The wedding breakfast was laid out in a marquee on the lawn, and about 40 relatives and friends partook of the repast. The gathering was presided over by the Rev. Father Malone, with the newly-married couple on his right. The toast of Mr. and Mrc. Kirk being duly proposed in a neat little speech by the Rev. Father Malone and duly acknowledged by the bridegroom, the table was again filled and replaced by a fresh contingent, a further proof of Mr. O'Neill's popularity in the district. Although the morning was very wet the weather cleared at mid-day and the sun shone beautifully in the afternoon thus enabling the wedding party and their friends to enjoy a drive which was thoroughly appreciated. After supper the party adjournedjjto the granary, which had been nicely decorated and dancing was indulged in to an early hour. The music was supplied by Mr. Thomas Power with a violin, and he was ably seconded by his son. During intervals songs were contributed by Messrs Petersen brothers, of Christchurch, their rendering of '"For I'm an English boy" and ' I'm an Irish lad " fairly bringing down the house. Recitations, reels and jigs were also indulged in, and Mr. Almayo danced a sailor's hornpipe in capital style. About 10 p.m. the newly-married couple left for Sumner, departing amidst showers of rice and deafening cheers for their future welfare. Among the many valuable presents was a purse of sovereigns presented by Mr. Kirk senr. All the guests left for their respective homes unanimous in their opinion that Mr. and Mrs. O'Neill's hospitality could not be surpassed.