KAPUKA.
According to the Rev. C. A. Gray, the esteemed pastor of the Oteramika Presbyterian church, the marriage rate in that district is not excessive — only seven unions having been solemnised since he took charge between five and six years ago. The blame for this state of things, if blame there be, cannot be laid at the door of Mr O. Robinson, Kapuka’s well-known storekeeper, for within the last few years two of his daughters have changed their names, and a third followed the example of her sisters on Wednesday, when Miss Florence Mary, second daughter of Mr and Mrs Robinson, was married to Mr Geo. F. McKenzie, of the West Coast. The ceremony took place in Robinson’s Hall, which was tastefully decorated with ferns and other forest spoils, in the presence of between fifty and sixty guests, friends from Invercargill and from the surrounding district being present. The Rev. Mr Gray tied the fateful knot, the bride, who was given away by her father, having as bridesmaids her sisters, Misses Lucy and Ada Robinson ; while the bridegroom was attended by Mr T. Gardner. The bride, who, if the old saying counts, had sunshine enough to ensure life-long happiness, looked charming in a dress of cream voile trimmed with satin and lace, with the usual wreath and orange blossoms. Her sisters were attired in cream nun’s veiling, trimmed with cream silk and insertion. The bride and her sisters carried bouquets composed chiefly of chrysanthemums. The popularity of the young couple was attested by the many and valuable gifts of which they were the recipients.
After the ceremony the party adjourned to the garden, where Mr R. A. Edwards brought the camera into operation. It took a good deal of generalship to get the crowd properly grouped — in fact, as one spectator remarked, it took longer to be photographed than to get married.
Returning to the hall, the guests, under the presidency of Mr Gray, enjoyed one of Messrs Kingsland and Sons best wedding breakfasts, and honoured the customary toasts. In giving that of ‘‘The bride and bridegroom” Mr P. S. Brodie (Invercargill) jocularly remarked that they owed the bridegroom a grudge — there must be something the matter with the Kapuka boys when they allowed a West Coaster to take away one of the best girls out of the district. He hoped it would be a warning to them. (Laughter). The toast, which was received with “ three times three,” was becomingly acknowledged by Mr McKenzie.
The chairman in happy terms gave “The bridesmaids,’' and Mr Gardner replied. Mr Geo. Smyth (Invercargill) proposed the health of the bride’s parents, remarking that this was the third wedding in the family that be had attended. He had known Mr Robinson for about a quarter of a century, and at their first meeting was impressed by his hearty, genial manner. As for Mrs Robinson, he was sure all in the district would bear testimony to her sterling qualities and to the part she had taken in promoting all worthy objects.
The toast was treated to musical honours, and Mr Robinson responded with one of the pithiest speeches on record — “You all look happy, and I hope you’ll keep so.”
The happy gathering dispersed shortly before five p.m., but in the evening there was a renewal of festivities, the hall being crowded for the inevitable dance. Eighty couples took part in the grand march, and under the able guidance of Mr D. O. Munro as M.C., the bulk of them footed it merrily till 6.30 a.m. on Thursday. And small wonder that the dancing was kept up so long, for Mr R. A. Edwards and his orchestra discoursed the best of music, Mr Edwards (violin), Mr A. R. Wills (cornet) and Mr L. A. Ousworth (piano), and they also had the assistance of the Misses Robinson (violin and piano), Miss E. A. Campbell (violin) and of Messrs Urquhart and Munro (bagpipes). Songs were given by Misses Leith and A Field, and Messrs Lawrence, Urquhart, Wills, and Field, and a recitation by Mr J. Johns. Altogether the company had a good time all round, and would probably not object to a wedding in the hospitable Robinson family once a month. -Southern Cross, 25/6/1904.
DEATH
McKENZIE - Suddenly, at Riverton on 21st May, 1905 Florence Mary (Florrie), beloved wife of G. F. McKenzie, and 2nd daughter or Charles and Elizabeth Robinson, of Kapuka; aged 27 years. Deeply regretted. The funeral will leave the Invercargill Railway station on arrival of Riverton train at 10 o’clock a.m. on Wednesday, 24th inst, arriving at Woodlands Cemetery at about 12 o'clock noon. Friends please accept this (the only) intimation.
KINGSLAND & FERGUSON, Undertakers. -Southland Times, 23/5/1905.
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