WEDDING ON THE BEACH

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21410, 28 February 1935, Page 19

WEDDING ON THE BEACH

CEREMONY WITNESSED BY LARGE CROWD A wedding which, when announced, created a more than local anticipatory interest, as it was to be celebrated in the open air on the foreshore at New Brighton, was solemnised last evening in perfectly calm weather, even the breakers being inaudible to the large crowd. The names of the contracting parties had been closely guarded until they made their appearance on the platform. They were Mr Keith Campbell Richards (Linwood) and Miss Elizabeth Margaret Steele (Bromley). The New Brighton Municipal Band attended in full force to do honour to the bridegroom, who is one of its life members, and to his bride. The Rev. J. K. Archer officiated, and before the arrival of the wedding party, asked for reverent behaviour from those assembled. The gathering had crowded the enclosures and occupied every point of vantage around, including the sea walls and hay chute. Mr Archer said that the men present need not remove their headgear except during the prayers and benediction. Those present obeyed the minister's injunction, and perfect orderliness was observed even by the children throughout the ceremony. The ceremony took place on a carpeted dais draped in crimson, scarlet and blue, and decorated with baskets of hanging ferns, begonias, and native greenery. The table before which the couple stood was covered with white lace edged embroidered linen cloth on which were placed two vases of miniature sunflowers, and over it a large white bell was suspended. On an adjoining platform the members of the New Brighton Municipal Band, in uniform, were accommodated. On the dais in addition to the wedding party, were the Mayor of New Brighton (Mr E. A. M. Leaver), who is president of the band, the Mayoress (Miss Irene Leaver), Mr A. W. Owles (patron of the band), Cr. R. E. Holloway and Mrs Holloway, Cr. W. Hulijie and Mrs Hulme, Cr. W. E. Wilkins and Mrs J. K. Archer. The bride was Elizabeth Margaret Steele, daughter of Mr and Mrs J. Steele, Te Pirita, Rakaia, and the bridegroom Keith Campbell Richards, fifth son of the late Mr W. and Mrs Richards (Christchurch). Mr N. Brading (Rakaia) was best man and Mr L. Clemens was usher.