AN ABORIGINAL ROYAL WEDDING.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4324, 29 January 1875, Page 3

AN ABORIGINAL ROYAL WEDDING.

(From the S. A. Register, Dec. 31.) At Boorkooyanna, Point Pierce, the Mission Station of the Yorke’s Peninsula Aborigines Friends’ Association, a marriage,in “highlife” has been celebrated with unusual surroundings. Prince “John,” the acknowledged heir of “Tom,” the King, having led his coloured jinancie to the hymeneal altar. At 11 a.m., there were evident signs of the approaching event as the natives gathered wearing holiday dresses, cheerfully smiling, and indulging in ringing laughter. The day before a conveyance had been sent for the King and Queen, who were found some miles away at the royal wurley feasting on kangaroo, followed by a smoke of the “ baokie pipe ” as a favourite dessert, The bridegroom-elect acted as coachman to their Majesties, wlm were accompanied by a favourite few. Having arrived at the mission station they reported themselves, and then passed the night in the open air. Early next morning our Kadina correspondent had a formal and cordial introduction to the monarch and his concert, and he has furnished the following report:— The King . is [advanced ,in years, and is rather grey. He was dressed in,striped trousers which were rather too narrow for him, but his coat was of excellent quality and admirable fit. It showed his fine proportions to great advantage. His Crimean shirt., was, scrupulously clean, boots he had none, and his royal big toe appeared to have seen much active service in the battle of life. His brow bore no diadem or other insignia of regal descent, but had an ample crop of curly black hair that seemed to testify of absolute liberty run wild. He is about five feet nine inches high, and a little over twelve stone in weight, with broad square shoulders, light limbs, and broad flat feet. The ■ sovereign’s eyes are full and clear, and he can look you, straight in the face. His organs of benevolence, veneration, and firmness are fully developed, especially the last, while his combativeness is less than his acquisitiveness, and, contrary to expectations, moral faculties are decidedly more prominent than animal. The Queen is a fine specimen of her race, considerably above the average size. Her cranium indicates natural lability and good temper ; yet contrary to the common opinion that all lubras are slaves to their husbands, she manifested the fact that she had a will of her own, for when the King ordered her to go 300 yards on a message, she absolutely refused, then told him to go himself, and the outocrat obeyed. An old misanthrope suggests that this is one of the surest signs of civilisation and refinement in female life. The bride-elect is an honor to her tribe, and a favorite at the station, where she has been for six or seven years. She is able to read and write well. The bridegroom is a noble specimen of the genua homo, and shares not .more than a mo ; '-fy of the blood of the second son of Noah. He is above average size, and his physique challenges the attention of even a moderately observant eye. An interesting occurrence .took place at nine o’clock in the morning, when the King and Queen went to inspect the palace just finished and designed for the permanent residence of the young couple. It is externally oblong, measuring by estimation 378 inches by ICS inches, witli a corresponding height of walls, . carrying well-selected mallee rafters, to which is fastened with ample cordage a well-set covering that has been gathered from the marshy portions of the neighboring plain. The main entrance has a plain batten door with latch and string. The first object that strikes attention in the interior is the dining-table. Turning towards the fireplace—-which every Englishman does when heenters a room unless some special object attract—the mantelshelf and its adornings meet the eye, flanked on each side by two sets of shelves well furnished with culinary and kindred utensils. After gaziug at these for some time and carefully examining some knives and forks, the King bursty into a heart laugh, saying, “All same as whitefellow.” The room is furnished with an excellent iron bedstead, a washstand, sundry seats, &c. The parents seemed thoughtful -while inspecting the furniture, and his Majesty said, “Me like one house too.” The interest is heightened when it is known that under the architectural direction of the Rev. Mr. Kuhn, formerly connected with the Moravian Church, the Prince was the builder of his own house ; and not only so, but has purchased the furniture out of his savings since ho resided at the station. He has still a handsome balance, which he is husbanding to meet contingencies. Before the wedding the Queen was called into' the mission-house, and dressed in a new robe. It fitted well, and this, with a knot of ribbon on her breast excited her husband’s admiration and approval, but she said little. The morning was very fine, and there was unusual briskness at an early hour—even a large parrot in the eastern verandah seemed to catch the spirit of the day. He whistled the first part of “ There’s nao luck aboot the hoose,” and paused. I will not say that the songster did not think it wise to finish this, but he began and ended the next tune 1 as if he considered it more appropriate to give “Pop goes the weasel.” Pots and pans and crockery were rattling under the hasty touch of happy native maidens’ fingers, and snatches of whistle and song were borne on the early breeze of morn. At 11 o’clock the schoolroom presented a striking appearance. Seats in horseshoe form were placed for the spectators, while on the right of the desk the Queen took her place ; and the King, who led the bride, having safelyleft his charge to the care of three bridesmaids, resumed his seat. To the loft of the desk Mrs. Kuhn and her daughter sat, and near them a number of young girls stood in rank, each holding a beautiful bouquet of freshlyplucked flowers. The boys stood opposite similarly equipped. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Mr. Kuhn, assisted by the Rev. R. Or. Bayley, Congregational minister. The bridegroom spoke in a clear full voice, and in a spirit and manner calculated to win approval ; and the bride, after a long struggle to keep her feelings under control, wept. Mrs. Kuhn, a close observer of character, and with some knowledge of practical philosophy, was instantly at the side of the bride, and by taking a firm hold of her arm inspired sufficient selfpossession. As soon as the marriage ceremony and the address which ■ followed were over, the girls who held bouquets, led by Miss Selina Kuhu, presented them to the Princess, while the boys handed theirs to the Prince. The marriage was by special Ucsnoo, and <va the pair were under age the consent of tho parents was obtained according to law. King Tom’s sign manual, in the form of three heavy crosses, having been witnessed as “ his mark,” refreshments were liberally supplied to, all who choso to partake, and then a conveyance to Victoria Bay, where a boat awaited the party, completed the arrangements made for the royal marriage at Boorkooyanna.