WEDDING BELLS

New Zealand Tablet, 16 November 1916, Page 53

WEDDING BELLS

GOLDEN WEDDING. Two of tho oldest, most respected, and best-known residents of Napier, in the persons of Mr. and Mrs. John Mahony, celebrated their golden wedding at Napier on November 1 last, (writes a Napier correspondent). Mr. and Mrs. Mahony occupy the distinction of being one of the first couples to be married in Napier. The happy event took place at the Catholic Church here in 1866, the Rev. Father Forrest performing the ceremony. Mrs. Mahony was born at Castlegregory, County Kerry, Ireland, and came out in the "ship Empress. Mr. Mahony, who is 84 years of age, is as hale and as hearty as ever, and is a typical example of the early pioneer. He landed in New Zealand in December, 1860. The 'gold fever rush took him back to the old digging haunts at Bendigo. He was not satisfied with the ' results ' there, and went on to America, returning later to Queensland. After investigating some claims there he went on to Duhedin, and thence to Napier in September of 1864. In this town Mr. Mahony lias successfully carried on the carryingbusiness to the present day. He was associated with the militia in the early days, and can trace the growth of the town from the few houses skirting an apparently hopeless swamp to the flourishing town it is to-dav. November 4 was the occasion for a great celebration at the residence of the old couple in Thackeray street. At the afternoon gathering the Rev. Father O'Sullivan presided, while Rev. Fathers Gogijan and Ainsworth called in during the day to offer their congratulations. In the evening there was a large gathering of friends, about 100 in number. Mr. W. J. McGrath, who presided, had associated with him Mr. M. Gleeson. The former proposed the toast of the old couple, and Mr. Gleeson also delivered a glowing tribute .to the qualities of Mr. and Mrs. Mahony. Mr. Frank Mahony feelingly replied on behalf of his parents. The evening passed in a most enjoyable manner. The jubilarians received many congratulatory telegrams from all over the Dominion and Australia. The presents, which were numerous, included a handsome marble clock, the "ift of old Napier residents, and a beautiful framed picture from the nuns of the local convent. A telegram regretting his unavoidable absence was read from the Mayor of Napier (Mr. J. Vigor Brown, M.P.)