REFUSED WEDDING PRESENTS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1665, 4 February 1913, Page 2

REFUSED WEDDING PRESENTS.

The Lord Mayor (Mr. A. M. Samuel) of Norwich, England, who was married on December 19, created a small sensation by his, firm resolution not to accept any wedding presents. Tho attitude, taken by Mr. Samuel was a difficult one to maintain, owing to his official position, but, as his opinions on tho subject were shared by. the bride, there was no hesitation in send> ing back tho beautiful gifts that arrived by the hundreds. Only two presentations were accepted, and they were considered by the Lord Mayor to be unavoidable. One was his portrait, by aßoyal Academician, the funds for which had been raised by public subscription, and the other waß a gift from , tho Norwich corporation. and citizens'. According to an interview with Mr. Samuel, which appeared in the "Daily/ Mirror," he said he found the old established tradition of -wedding presents a difficult one to.break down, but even those sent by his*own relatives were returned, with tactful explanations. In Mr. Samuel's opinion tho wedding,present has become, in many cases, an unreasonable tax, and ho, thought that if a stand'against tho custom was made by some person in a prominent position, others would soon follow suit. Mr. Samuel is 89 years of dgc, and is one of-the youngest lord mayors over elected in England. In honour of hia mnrriago he entertained 1600 poor, guests at a feast.

Miss J. M. Hitchings and Miss L.M. Etchings, who have been staying' with Mrs. Pilcher (Hutt) have returned to Christchurch. . .

, Mr. and Mrs. Shirtcliffe and Mr. A. 0. Pearce passed through Napier on Sunday o,i their return to Wellington from, a visit to Taupo. ■• . .-'.'■■■,

Mr. and Mrs. G. Gould, of Chrisfchurch, and their family, who have been travel" ling in England;and tho Continent,: returned to New Zealand yesterday by the Rerauera. •■■'-.'. '...-■,'-. '

; Mra. M. Dalrymple-and Miss Dalrymple. arrived in Wellington yesterday by tho R-omuera from London. .Mrs.-.- Uawith (Mastorton) and-her daughters also ro. turned from their travols in England and on the Continent. ; -

■The baby show to be held in connection with the garden • fete of the Society for the Health of Women and Children promises to be' a huge success, judging by the number of entries which have wen already received. There are fivo classes, in, which the boys and girls aro to be judged separately, commencing with those under three months of age, under six, nine, twelve, and eighteen months. There are also to bo first and second prizes for, twins, and a very handsome prize for the champion baby. Various other prizes have also been donated. It would simplify matters for thoso in chargo of the arrangements for the baby show if mothers could find it convenient to enter their babies for the event at the Plunkct Booms, 86 Vivian Street, open from halfpast two p.m. to four o'clock, or clso on the grounds on the day of the fete. An entrance of one shilling will be charged competing' mothers, and this will; admit them to the grounds as well. Given a fino day,' the fete should be a most successful affair, for the grounds of the Prime Minister's residence, in Tinakori Road, aTe very picturesque and charmingly shady for a summers day.