WEDDING FESTIVITIES AT WAIPUKURAU.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5456, 21 September 1878, Page 2 (Supplement)

WEDDING FESTIVITIES AT WAIPUKURAU.

(Prom the Napier Daily Telegraph) On Tuesday last VVaipaknrau was the scene o£ much gaity and festivity on the occasion of the marriage of Mr. Gaiaford, of Oriugi, Tahoraite, and Mias Russell, Mount Herbert, and also of Dr. Frood and Miss Campbell, daughter of Mr. J. H. Campbell, late R.M. of tyaiapu. The inhabitants of the town wore very early astir, each determined that nothing should be wanting bn his part to make the place look gay and cheerful. The township WSS one mass of bunting, flags of all colors being displayed in great abundance. Three triumphal arches were erected, one at the end o| the road leading from Mount Herbert, one ajj the entrance to the church paddock, and bijo at the church gates. The interior of the church presented a pretty appearance, being tastefully decorated with wreaths and flowers, the work of two or three lady members of the cljoir, while over tho altar was placed a somewhat unique device consisting of a screen of trellis work, with tho words, on a red background, of letters made of rice, “Tho Lord thee and keep thee,” the work of Mrs. Shearman. The visitors began to assemble early, and before the time fixed for the ceremony many were waiting to 'gain admittance to the church. The first of the wedding party to arrive were the bridegrooms, attended by their groomsmen, Mr, Abbot and Mr. Prood, Shortly afterwards arrived the brides. Miss Russell being led to the altar by Mr. John Russell, and Miss Campbell by her father. Immediately tho brides entered tho church, the choir commenced the hymn “ The Voice that breathed over Eden.” The procession closed with twelve of the choir girls dressed In, white and blue. The Incumbent, the Rev. Joseph Shearman, officiated. After the blessing the choir chanted the 67th Psalm, and before the reading ptj tho homily sang the hymn “ How Welcome was the Call.” Mr. Sainsbury presided at the harmonium, and at the conclusion of the service played Mendelssohn’s “ Wedding March.” The bridesmaids were Miss Regg, Miss Von. Tempaky, Miss Johnston, and Miss Augusta Shearman. The two former wore dresses of white cashmere trimmed with pink silk, and mob caps trimmed with pink feathers and ribbons ; the two latter, little girls of four years of age, being prettily and effectively dressed in pink of a very light shade. The bridesmaids wore handsome lockets, the gift of Mr. Gaiaford. The brides were dressed in rich white silk dresses with wreaths and veils. The guests consisted of Mrs. Henry Russell, Mr. John Russell, Mrs. Colonel Whitmore, Mrs. Shearman, Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Johnston, Messrs. J. D. Hamilton, G. B. Sainsbury, A. P. Douglas, L. B. Horricks, and D. McMaster. Owing to the very serious illness of Mr. Russell, the arrangements had to be altered. It was found impossible to have the wedding breakfast at Monnt Herbert, consequently the guests adjourned to the Town Hall, where Mrs. Gow, of the Tavistock, had provided a most sumptuous luncheon. In the unavoidable absence of Mr. John Russell, Mr. A. E. Douglas presided, but notwithstanding the excellent arrangements, as one speaker remarked in the hall, “agreat damper was thrown over the whole of tho proceedings by the serious illness and consequent absence of Mr. Russell.” About two hundred and fifty sat down to the luncheon, after which sports were vigorously carried on in an adjoining paddock under the stewardship of Mr. G. A. King. An the course of the afternoon, a large number of visitors, in response to an invitation from Mrs. Bussell, drove to Mount Herbert, to see the wedding presents and to drink the healths of the brides and bridegrooms. Among tho numerous wedding presents were a silver tea and coffee service, with the inscription “Presented on the occasion of her marriage to Miss Russell, of Mount Herbert, by the employes on her father’s estate, with best wishes for her happinessa silver butter dish and knife, with the inscription “Presented to Miss Russell on her marriage by the members of, St. Mary’s Choira handsome epergne given by the Presbyterians ; a silver salver from those who were formerly in the employment of Mr. Bussell. From private friends were received gold bracelets, silver fish knives and forks, dessert knives and forks, travelling clock with compass, thermometer and barometer, very handsome cruets, &c. Among the presents to Dp. Prood ought to be mentioned a piano given by a few friends in Waipnknrau and the neighborhood. The festivities of the day conc’uded with a ball in the evening in the Town Hall, which was a most decided success, and thoroughly enjoyed by all. both old and young.