Wedding In Papua.

From Our Own Correspondent.

Samarai, Nov. 7.

A WEDDING was held at the Wanigela Mission Church on arrival of the “Nusa” from Samarai on Sunday, November 6, when Miss Myra Blanche Hain, of Manly, N.S.W., was married to Mr. W. R. Humphries, Resident Magistrate at Tufi, by the Rev. A. J. Thompson.

Many hundreds of natives gathered on the shore, waiting for a sight of the new Sinabada, and as the Government whaleboat drew near, bringing Mr. Humphries and his fiancee ashore from the “Nusa,” the beach was crowded.

Wanigela, with its Coconut palms, mission houses and native village, made a beautiful picture in the early morning. On going up to the house it was evident that Mrs. Thompson had put her heart into the work of welcoming the stranger. A mat of plaited coconut leaves had been laid from the house to the church, both of which were tastefully decorated with palm leaves and native roses.

The ceremony was held at 11 o’clock. The bride, who was given away by Captain Austen, of Samarai, looked charming in a long princess frock of white and blue floral chiffon voile with puff sleeves and low boat-shaped neck. A blue chip hat and tafetta sash of the same color completed the pretty ensemble. A sheaf of

white crocus lilies was made and presented to the bride by Miss Hullett, of Nainu Mission.

Miss Turner, of Wanigela Mission, who was bridesmaid, wore a very dainty frock of lemon voile with hand-embroidered panels of oriental colourings and a hat to match; a pale yellow bouquet completed her toilet. Mr. C. H. Karius acted as best man. As the bride and bride groom left the church a choir of native girls sang “The Voice that Breathed O’er Eden” in the native dialect.

A guard of honour of armed native police, in charge of Mr. C. Healy, also of Tufi, formed an arch of fixed bayonets at the door.

A wedding breakfast, at which 11 guests were present, was served on the mission house verandah, where several small tables were decorated with Native roses. A wedding cake made by Miss Devitt was on the bride’s table.

After the usual speeches were responded to and a happy hour spent, Mr. and Mrs. Hum phries left by the “Nusa” en route for their home in Tufi. Mrs. Thompson and Miss Turner, together with Miss Hullett and Miss Devitt, who were visiting Wanigela for the occasion, deserve much praise for the happy function.

Mrs. W. R. Rutherford, wife of the manager of the Pacific Cable Co. at Suva, died suddenly on board the “Aorangi” en route to Bamfield (Canada) on December 16.