Newspaper Article 1931 – Hawke’s Bay Bridegroom

Hawke’s Bay Bridegroom.

(FOR THE NEW ZEALAND FREE LANCE.)

A HONEYMOON with a catastrophic interruption has been that of a popular Hawke’s Bay bachelor, Eric Nelson, to the Sydney heiress, Enid Falkiner, whose wedding on Wednesday afternoon, January 28, was the New Year’s biggest social event in Sydney. The bridal pair had booked passage by the Aorangi, leaving for New Zealand last Thursday, and their arrival was eagerly anticipated by their friends in Hawke’s Bay who had arranged an enthusiastic welcome. Other well-known Hawke’s Bay folk in the wedding party were Mr. Ewan Campbell, the best man, Mrs. T. H. Lowry and Miss Ruth Scannell, of Hastings. Now, theirs is a sad home-coming: instead of the greetings and gaieties attendant on a brilliant wedding, they return to a scene of desolation.

The bride, who is an heiress in her own right, takes a great interest in matters financial. The daughter of the late F. B. S. Falkiner, leading pastoralist of New South Wales, the story goes that he warned her not to fritter her time away, and put his advice to practical test by presenting her with £100,000 to invest as she thought fit. This she has done, and done well, so ‘tis said, and thereby proved her business ability. She is also a keen follower of the turf and races her own horses.

Naturally, Sydney society arrived en masse to see her wed. A sea of top-hats and feminine finery arriving in a never-ending stream of limousines enveloped the fashionable All Saints’ Church at Woolahra.

A busy morning had been spent by Lady Knox and other well-known social leaders in decorating the church with flowers from their own gardens, and pillars and aisle were transformed with great clusters of zinias and palms.

When at last the bride did arrive, just a little appropriately late, on the arm of her brother, Mr. George Falkiner, all eyes gazed approvingly on the tall, dark girl with her regal bearing. Her lovely gown was of ivory triple ninon fashioned on simple lines with a short train. On her hair she wore a fine lace veil, an old family heirloom, and round her neck the famous Falkiner pearls (it is said that 10,000 dollars would not buy the necklace). Her flowers were a sheaf of white gladioli and stephanotis with a cluster of orchids at the base. The only bridesmaid was Miss Emily Falkiner, cousin of the bride. Carrying a lovely bouquet of two shades of delphiniums to tone with her almost backless frock of liberty patterned chiffon, and bandeau of blue velvet flowers, she walked up the aisle beside Mr. Ewan Campbell, who accompanied the bridegroom.

After the ceremony, which was officiated by the Rev. R. H. Gallop, over seventy guests were received at “Tokay,” Bellevue Hill, by Mrs. Falkiner. So elaborate was the fashion parade that the lawns of the old home suggested Randwick at the opening of the Spring meeting. Inside, the reception room was a bower of flowers, pink gladioli, tuber roses, tiger lilies and begonias all playing a part in the lavish decorations. Hundreds of wedding presents were displayed in the library. A distinguished [New Zealander among the guests was Mr. T. R. Bavin, leader of the State] ex-New Zealander among the guests was Mr. T. R. Bavin, leader of the State Opposition, in New South Wales (and formerly Prime Minister).