GOLDEN WEDDING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 44, 20 January 1938, Page 13

GOLDEN WEDDING.

AIR AND AIRS J. S. AVINTON. Alarried in Dunedin fifty years ago, two highly esteemed residents of Palmerston North, Air and Mrs .J. S. AVinton, of Church Street, celebrated their golden wedding on . Tuesday, when an enjoyable tea party was'held at the rooms of Alessrs Collinson and Cunninghame, Ltd. Floral decorations and appropriate favours were in shades of gold, as was the handsome wedding cake which had been made and iced by a friend, Airs M. AVilson, of Awapuni. Associated with Air and Airs Winton were Airs G. Gill (their only (daughter), Aliss Joy Gill (their granddaughter), Air I AVinton (a brother from Dunedin, who was accompanied by Airs AVinton), and Air and Mrs E. H. Jamieson, of Palmerston North, the last-named being a sister of Air Winton.

ltev. A. Ashcroft, life-long friend of the family, acted as toastmaster, also being responsible for the main toast. “The Bride and Bridegroom.” He referred to the fine qualities of Air and Airs A\ r inton, remarking that they were friends to ail and their house a home of welcome. Alusical honours and cheers were accorded them, after which Airs Winton, with an expression of appreciation of Airs AYilson’s kindness, cut the cake.

In returning thanks for the kindly references to Airs AVinton and himself, Air AVinton assured those present that it had given them great pleasure to have their friends with them in such happy association, and said they were thankful for God’s great mercy and care through all the years. Air L. AVinton added his felicitations on behalf of the family and expressed joy on behalf of his wife and himself in being able to convey good wishes personally. Air Paul Nielsen eulogised Air Winton’s services in connection with the church and also iti business, and said Air and Airs AVinton’s home was a centre for hospitality and charity. He trusted that Air and Airs Winton would enjoy many more years together. Mr Allnj an spoke in similar strain and Mrs Prisk added her thanks on behalf of her parents, Rev. H. T. Peat and Airs Peat, and herself, for many kindnesses. Alany congratulatory telegrams and messages of goodwill besides numerous gifts and floral tributes were received by Air and Airs AVinton. f Air AVinton’s father, the late John Winton, arrived with hrs parents in 1848 by the first _ immigrant ship to Dunedin, the Phillip Laing. James Winton was the eldest of the family, nine of whom are living, the sisters being Airs E. H. Jamieson, of Church Street, Airs A. Hull (Mcmraki), and the brothers Alessrs William, Jack, Ivie, David and Robert AVinton (Dunedin) also Brigadier W. S. Winton, of the Salvation Army, Alelbourne. Daughter of the late Air and Mrs H. AlcLachlan, of Afilton, Otago, Aliss Catherine AlcLachlan was married to Air AVinton in 1888 at Dunedin, and was attended by her sister.. Miss Alary AlcLachlan, who is the only surviving member of that family. Air Arthur Winton, a son of Air and Airs AVinton, who served in the Air Force in the Great War, passed away about four years ago. During the forty years he served in the Railway Department in various capacities, Air AA 7 inton resided in Ravensbourne, Kelso, Clinton, Dunhack, Palmerston South, Dunedin, Oamarn, and Palmerston North in which centre he retired fourteen years ago. Air Winton lias seen many changes in the Railway Department in liis day and recalls that he was a guard on the first train which ran through to Auckland, taking the stage from Palmerston North to Waiouru where the Public A\ r orks .Department took over. He was also present when _the last stake was driven at which Sir Josenh AA’ard. then Premier, and Sir AVilliam Hall-Jones, Alinister of. Railways. were present, the function taking place at Horonito. At one. time Air AVinton worked on the New Plymouth mail train between Loneburn and Wanganui before the Alain Trunk line was completed. Having been residents of Palmerston North for forty years', Air and Mrs Winton have won a proud position in the estimation of the community and have made many loyal friends. They take a great interest in the Cuba Street Methodist Church, to which they give devoted service, and in their home and associates. They are also active members of the Otago Club.'