NIAOULI NUPTIALS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 06, Issue 95, 3 August 1943, Page 8

NIAOULI NUPTIALS

WEDDING IN NEW CALEDONIA

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The 'Kiwi' that übiquitous army paper circulating amongst New Zealand troops in New Caledonia and other Pacific Islands recent 13published a report of a wedding which has a direct link with Wha* katane. The report has been forwarded to us by Gnr A. Sheat. of Thornton. In passing we have to state the Niaouli trees mentioned are a type of gum tree, which grows very prolific-ally in the islands. The report reads:— tor the second time in three months that blustering fellow Mars, so "woefully prone to strutting the stage and hogging the applause, M as forced to yield the limelight to the incorrigible Cupid. The occasion was the wedding of Sister Ails a Cundy, NZANS, to Sgt William B. Bridger, B Troop, 202 Bty, 28 Hvy Rgt. The bride was given away by her brother-in-law, Cpl L. B. Tilley. Sister Barbara Dewes, NZANS, was bridesmaid, and the best man was Sgt Jimmy (Valentine) Vivian, also of the gallant 28 th. Among the gaunt niaouli near the Sisters' recreation bure, a tent was erected to house the altar and give seating accommodation to most of the guests. In this picturesque setting was culminated a romance which began in far-off Whakatane nearly two years ago, and the event gained in impressiveness from the exotic surroundings. Service conditions imposed uniform dress on bridal party anil guests alike, but there was an air about the bride as she moved up the aisle on the arm of her brother-in-law that made one imagine she was trailing not only clouds of glory but also invisible tulle, and Vineelines lacc. As the bridal party left to sign the register at the. conclusion of the ceremony Handel's "Where'er You Walk" was sung by Sister M. Talbot, the organ accompaniment being played by Col A. A. Tennant. The wedding breakfast Mas held m the sisters' recreation bure -where the guests w r cre received by Miss D. Hall, NZANS, Matron of the Hospital. The long tables, decorated with a profusion of scarlet gerberas. held a commendable array of good things to cat and an equally commendable display of good things to drink. There were no heel-taps and "all went merry as a marriage bell." Following the Royal toast, Padre Froud proposed the health of "The Bride and Bridegroom." After responding to the toast the bridegroom gave the toast "The Bridesmaid" which "was responded to by the best man. S-Sgt W'inchcombe sponsored the toast to the bride's parents, the response being made by Cpl Tilley, while the toast to the parents, of the bridegroom was proposed and responded to by Lieut Shirley and Sgt J. Hyland respectively. A slieaf of congratulatory telegrams was read by the best man. At the conclusion of the toasts the Div Band under Lieut. Fox provided a background of popular music. After the departure of the newwed couple, on their honeymoon journey proceedings became strictly informal. Gallant officers forgot for the nonce the tyranny of one-stcp-two, charming sisters entered into the spirit of the party, and even senior officers unbent. It was an event which will become one of the jjicturesque mein° r i° s of all "who were present. "Kiwi" is sure that it expresses the feelings of the entire force in offering the hope that the marriage will continue through the years as happily as it commenced amid the niaouli at the Ith General Hospital.