Pedigree Information

A VERY shocking accident occurred on Saturday afternoon to Mrs John Mercer, a resident in Milton-street, the Wood, who while engaged in her household duties with her back to the fire, noticed something burning behind her, and on looking back found that her dress was on fire. No one being in the house to help her she ran out into the garden and cried to her neighbors for assistance, some of whom were soon on the spot and endeavored to tear off her clothes, one of her children in the meantime having thrown some water on her. Drs Leggatt and Cressey were soon on the spot and ascertained that she was terribly burned from her feet upwards to the waist, the upper part of the body being less seriously injured. The unfortunate woman, who is the mother of five children, was shortly afterwards removed to the Hospital where we are glad to learn she was, up to this afternoon, doing fairly well, but it is impossible yet to say what may be the result of the very serious injuries she has received.

MR. MERCER begs to tender his most grateful THANKS to MR. HARLING and others, who so kindly rendered their assistance at the late accident at his house.
   Nelson, December 12, 1888.

Kelvin Grove was en fete on Monday evening, June 5th, to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Mr and Mrs Hugh Develin's wedding day. Practically the whole population of the Kelvin Grove district, besides many friends from Palmerston and the surrounding districts, assembled in the local hall (beautifully decorated for the occasion) to do honour to the aged couple who are still hale and hearty. Among the guests were Mr W. T. Wood, M.H.R., Mrs Wood and family. An apology was received from Mr M. Cohen, Mayor of Palmerston, for his and Mrs Cohen's unavoidable absence.

Over 200 people sat down to the repast provided, and at its conclusion the toast "The Bride and Bridegroom," was proposed by Mr Wood in a felicitous speech, when he gave some interesting particulars regarding Mr Develin and his family. The happy couple were made man and wife on June 4th, 1855, in St. Andrew's Cathedral, Glasgow. In that city they lived till 1864 when they left for the United States which was then in the throes of the Civil War. Returning to Scotland at the conclusion of the war, they settled down for some years, but finally decided to come to New Zealand, arriving here in 1874. Till within two years ago, Mr Develin was in the Railway Department from which he retired on pension after seeing 27 years' service. Now, 50 years after their marriage, the aged couple had grouped around them in the hall 8 children, 22 grand-children, and 3 great grand-children.

The only other toast was "The Family," proposed by Mr H. C. Collinson and responded to by Mr Jos. Develin on behalf of his brothers and sisters. The happy pair were as fortunate as a newly wedded couple in the number and value of presents received, besides hosts of congratulatory messages from all over the colony.

The floor was afterwards cleared and dancing indulged in till the small hours of the morning. Songs were sung during the evening by Misses Wood and Hickey, Messrs A. Bennett, J. Bett, V. Dallow and Herbert Wood.

Mr P. Tombs kindly gave his services for the dances.

The following additional report of Mr and Mrs Devlin's golden wedding celebration has been handed to us for publication:--

Kelvin Grove was en fete on Monday evening, June 5th, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mr and Mrs Hugh Devlin's wedding day. Practically the whole population of the Kelvin Grove district, besides many friends from Feilding and Palmerston and the surrounding districts, assembled in the local hall (beautifully decorated for the occasion) to do honour to the aged couple who are still hale and hearty. Among the guests were Mr W. T. Wood, M.H.R., Mrs Wood and family. Mr W. W. Wilsher took the chair and over 200 people sat down to the repast provided. The chairman read an apology, from Mr M. Cohen, Mayor of Palmerston, for his and Mrs Cohen's unavoidable absence.

After the guests had done justice to the good things provided, the toast of "The King," proposed by the chairman, was drank with musical honours.

"The Bride and Bridegroom," was proposed by Mr Wood in a felicitous speech. He gave some interesting particulars regarding Mr Devlin and his family. The happy couple were made man and wife on June 4th, 1855, in St. Andrew's Cathedral, Glasgow. In that city they lived till 1864 when they left for the United States which was then in the throes of the Civil War. Returning to Scotland at the conclusion of the war, they settled down for some years, but finally decided to come to New Zealand, arriving here with his wife and family in 1874. Till within two years ago, Mr Devlin was in the Railway Department from which he retired on pension after seeing 27 years of devoted service. Now, 50 years after their marriage, the aged couple had grouped around them in the hall 8 children, 22 grand-children, and 3 great grand-children.

Mr Devlin, on rising to respond, expressed gratification at the large gathering assembled, and hoped that they would sympathise with him for any shortcomings considering that he head hot had many opportunities of speaking in public. He had to thank the worthy member for Palmerston for the very kind sentiments expressed, and he hoped he would live many years to retain his seat in Parliament, as he (Mr Devlin) did not think Palmerston could better its position. He had also to thank Mr Wilsher, his good wife and family for the indefatigable manner in which they had co-operated, at a great loss of time and trouble to themselves, to make the gathering such a success. He was also agreeably surprised on entering the hall to find it so beautifully decorated with evergreens, Chinese lanterns and bunting. In conclusion, he had to thank all those who had brought many useful and unexpected valuable presents. (Cheers).

The chairman who was about the first to make Mr Devlin's acquaintance when he came to reside in the Kelvin Grove district, also spoke in a few well chosen words.

The only other toast was "The Family," proposed by Mr H. C. Collinson and responded to by Mr Jos. Devlin on behalf of his brothers and sisters. Mr D. Kelly, a son-in-law of the aged couple, also replied in a pleasing speech.

The happy pair were as fortunate as a newly wedded couple in the number and value of presents received, besides hosts of congratulatory messages from all over the colony.

The floor was afterwards cleared and dancing indulged in till the small hours of the morning. Songs were sung during the evening by Misses Wood, Humphrey and Ball and Messrs A. Bennett, J. Bett, Herbert Wood, John Devlin, B. Bowater; sailor's hornpipe by Mr Williams; and musical items by Master and Miss Gelbor; a juvenile waltz was well played by Master Frank Kelly. Extras were played by Mrs Reeves, Mr A. Richards, and Master and Miss Gelbor. Mr John Devlin officiated as M.C. in a capable manner, and Mr P. Tombs kindly gave his services for the dances.

A butcher named Anderson was going his rounds in a trap when his horse became unmanageable, and the man jumped from the vehicle. He sustained a compound fracture of the leg. He was sent to the New Plymouth Hospital. Immediately Anderson jumped from the trap it capsized.
Anderson died in the hospital this morning.

A New Plymouth butcher named Anderson, who sustained a compound fracture of the leg by jumping from his trap the other day, died yesterday.