GOLDEN WEDDING PARTY AT MARAEKAKAHO

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 19, 6 February 1937, Page 11

GOLDEN WEDDING PARTY AT MARAEKAKAHO

It was an extremely happy gathering of relatives and old friends of Mr and Mrs James Walker who assembled at their home in Maraekakaho, on Wednesday evening, to congratulate them on the attainment of the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding day. The family, all of whom were present, including the nine gjrandchildren, made a presentation to Mr and Mrs Walker of a gold wristlet watch and a beautiful eiderdown quilt. The customary toasts were honoured and responded to and occaeion was taken by geveral old friends to express their congratulations and to wish the highly e»teemed couple of worthy pioneers continued good health and happiness to■gether for many years to come. The evening was spent in community singing, the accompaniments being played by Mrs Tom Walker, piano, and Mr Tom Walker, violin. " Games and competitions, arranged by Mrs Tom Walker and Miss Margaret Walker, the eldest grand-daughter, wero much enjoyed and also a Highland Fling danced by little Merle and Lexie W alkejr. The happy, homely party made minds revert to the many such parties and xamily gatherings , held by the Walker family in their old ralley home in the years that have gone, when, in real Old Scottish style they kept an open house and helped many along the road, bring to mind the words of Robert Bums, a poet whom Mrs Walker loves to quote • THE COTTAR'S SATURDAY NIGHT. "From scenes like these, old Scotia's srandeur spring#, That makes her loved at home, rever'd abroad: . Pri'nces and lords are but' the breath of kings: An bonest man's the notleBt work of God." AU enjoyed a delectable supper of Bavouries and sweets, and in the centre of the table stood t.he golden-xced wedding cake, a gift from Miss Jean Walker. During the evening a golden horseshoe, the gift of Miss Yera Donovan was passed round and signed by all present. On the front of her gown Mrs Walker wore a handsome gold and diamond brooch, her from the station people 50 years ago. A proposition which met with approval was that a re-union of all old Maraekakaho-ites be held in the near future. The singing of "Auld Lang Syne" and the National Anthem brought a happy evening to a close.