GOLDEN WEDDING

Chronicle (Levin), 5 August 1947, Page 2

GOLDEN WEDDING

LOC \L. RESIDENTS CELEBRATE Mr. and; Mrs. Harry FisHer, wellknown and highly-respected residents of Rangiuru, Otaki, celebrated their golden wedding on Saturday, when a large number of guests were entertained at All Saints' Hall.-. ■ ' . Both Mr., -and Mrs. Fisher were born in tRe City ' of Birmingham, England, where-' they were married 50 years ago at St. Margaret's Church, Wardehd. After spending their early daykj in England, they came' to New Zealand in 1911, arriving at Wellington, where Mr. Fisher was connected with the railways and tramways, while he was also an employee at the City Council for twelve years, serving faithfully and leaving with the highest of recommendations. In all he spent about fourteen years in Wellington. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher afterwards went to Makuri (Pahiatua County) . The Makuri is well-known for its beautiful gorge, while the river is a tributary of the Tiraumea River. The first settlers of Makuri took up residence there in 1890. Whlie at this township Mr. and Mrs. Fisher

entered into hotel- life, and proved very popular, being well-known for their kindly and generous acts. For thirteen years they lived in this township, after which they went to Takaka (Nelson) , where they resided for a year. They then decided to agaih. corrie north, and in 1939 took up -residence at Levin, where they made many friends during their six years' residence there. About three years ago they decided to move' to Otaki, and here they also have made many.. friends. They now live in retirement at Rangiuru, having a nice residence on the beach front. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have had two trips to Australia, where they have relatives and friends. There are three of a family, two daughters and one son. One daughter resides at Nelson- and the other at Pahiatua, while' the son is in Wellington. There are seven grandchildren, and three great-grand-children. -

An mterestmg relic in the possession o'f Mr. and Mrs. Fisher is a fine photograph of four generations of eldest. daughters. Mr. Fisher has one' sister, Mrs. Bayliss, Df Carterton, a brother in England and another in' Canada, and two usters in; England. Mrs. Fisher; has two sisters.in Australia. Mrs. Fisher's ' youhgest daughter, an expert heedlev?omah/'made the lovely dress worn by Mrs. Fisher at the golden wedding celebration. It was of beautiful silver grey material, richly embroidered, while a scarf to match was also worn. Mrs. Fisher also' wore the orange blossoms that she wore at her wedding. , Among the relatives at the celebration were Mrs. Douglas, of Pahiatua, and Mrs. T. C. Wood, of Takaka, boih daughters of Mrs. Fisher. It was ,the latter's 30th wedding anniversary, the same day as Mr. and Mrs. Fisher's golden wedding. Mr. Fisher's son served with distinction with the air force, while Mr. Fisher received a certificate on behalf of the Royal N.Z.. Air Force (civil reserye) . Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have several other mementoes, pleasant reminders of early days. Mr. and Mrs. , -Fisher, who continue to -enjoy good health, have been the -recipients of many presents and congratulatory messages frcm various parts, both from inside and outside of New Zealand. Gn Saturday afternoon there were nearly 100 guests at All Saints' Hall to greet Mr. and Mrs. Fisher who drove to the hall in a car gaily-bedecked with golden streamers. They were met at the gates and welcomed by their many friends, while Mrs. Fisher was present ed with a horse-shoe of golden flowers. Several snap-shots were also taken. The spread set out on the pret-tily-decoratcd tablcs did credit to Mrs. Royal. The main feature on the table was the large wedding cake. Canon H. E. K. Fry was an able toastmaster and in opening made pleasing reference to Mr. and Mrs. Fisher, who had attained the 50th anniversary of their wedding. He had officiated at several weddings — in fact a large : number — but had" never had the pleasure of presiding at a golden wedding. He warmly congratulated 'Mr. and Mrs. Fisher, and- wighed them many more happy days. After making reference to the grandchildren- and great grandchildren, he called on Mr. L. G. Lowry to propose the health of Mr. and Mrs. Fisher. (Applause). / Mr. Lowry, in doing so, stated that it came as a surprise to be asked to propose such an important toast. After making reference to such an unusual ceremony, the second one that'he had attended in Otaki, he mentioned his earlier

days when he was associated with Mr. Fisher, Mr. Lear and Mr. Jones when they were all employees of the Wellington City Council. It was evident that past years had dealt lightly with Mr. and Mrs. Fisher, and he had noticed the free and easy style in which they entered the hall. Both had seen great advancement since being married, improvement in. many ways, there now being radio, up-to-date motorcars, electric light, etc. Mr. Lowry, amidst applause, warmly congratulated Mr. and Mrs. Fisher, wished them well, and trusted that later their children and great-grand-children would be able to take part in a diamond jubilee. "For They Are Jolly Good Fellows" followed. Mr. Fisher, . who was warmly applauded on rising to reply, stated he was pleased to meet many of his old friends, and in. Mr. Lowry one could not have a better.friend. He also paid complimentary reference to Messrs. Lear and Jones, with whom he had been associated for years.- Fifty years of married life appeared to be a long time, but that period to him had been a very enjoyable one, and now he could look forward to anoiher ten years — and his diamond wedding. He fully appreciated the remarks made about Mrs. Fisher and him-

self, and amidst applause handed to Mrs. Fisher a shoulder spray of golden coloured flowers. Telegrams, which were numerous, were read from various quarters. All offered congratulations and best wishes. Included in the messages sent were congratulatory telegrams to Mrs. Wood. the happy couple's daughter, who that day had celebrated thirty years of married life. Mrs. , Wood and Mrs. Douglas, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Fisher, then delighted with a d'uet, they being talented musicians and vocalists. The toast, "The Family," was proposed by Mr. Lear, who referred to his old associations with Mr. Fisher and added that he felt it a privilege and an honour to be asked to say a few words. It was not many couples, he said, who celebrated a golden wedding, and it was nice to see both weli and surrounded by their family, arand-

children and great-grandchildren. He spoke highly of Mr. and Mrs. Fisher's family, and trusted they would all be spared to enjoy life. Pe-rsonally, he said, he and Mrs. Lear would celebrate their golden wedding in a couple of years' time. (Applause) . After ' a community sing Mr. C. Bayliss, of Parkvale, Carterton, prop"osedr' the' health df - Mr. "ahd Mrs. Wood, and stated that it gave him pleasure to be present to participate in the golden wedding, and the 30th celebration of Mr. and Mrs. Wood's wedding. Mr. and Mrs. Wood suitably replied, thanking all for the remarks, which they said they had fully appreciated. A song by Mrs. Douglas was warmly received. Mr. Berry then proposed the health of "The Children," which included the grandchildren and the great-grandchildren. Mr. Berry, after offering his congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Fisher, spoke in an appreciative manner of the children. __ Mr. C. Douglas, a grandchild, suitably replied, stating that it was pleasing to be present on such an important occasion.

The cuttmg of the cake followed, while a testimonial was signed by all in the hall. Mr. Bernard, a born comedian, gave an item, followed by a song that delighted by Mrs. Fisher, Junr. "Absent Friends" was a toast proposed by Mr. E. Jones, who regretted that there were some who were unable to attend the function. He spoke highly of his old workmate, Mr. Fisher, and wished Mr. and Mrs. Fisher long life and happiness. Mrs. Wood and Mrs. Douglas then sang "The End of a Perfect Day." The Mayor, Mr. C. F. Atmore, after thanking Mr. and Mrs. Fisher for the invitation to himsclf and Dr. Atmore to be present, stated that it was a. pleasure to be present and offered congratulations on the important event. it had proved a happy gathering, unique to him, as it was the first" golden wedding that he had attended. He hoped that both Mr. and Mrs. Fisher would enjoy many more happy days, and said he was pleased to know that they had taken up residence in Otaki. Like others, he hoped Mr. and Mrs. Fisher would live to enjoy their diamond wedding. (Applause). "Auld Lang Syne" concluded a very enjoyable afternoon, all present taking the opportunity to' warmly congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Fisher. Besides the sheaf of congratulatory messages Mr. and Mrs. Fisher were the recipients of a number of very nice presents.