NEWSPAPER ARTICLE

JOHN FLEWIN (1), Australia This story reproduced in full is from a newspaper cutting found by chance in the Archives of British Columbia (Canada). The title of the newspaper is scrawled illegibly on the cutting, although the word "Gazette" is clear. Date: March 8th 1918  On 5th March 1868 a very pretty wedding was celebrated at St. Paul's Church, Miner's Rest (near Ballarat) when Mr. John Flewin (only son of Mr George Flewin of Miner's Rest) and Miss Margaret Watson (formerly of Bacchus Marsh and Morwell) were united in the bonds of wedlock by the Rev Edward S. Ratcliffe. Miss E. Watson (Mrs D. Dunbar) was bridesmaid and Mr. S. Blackman best man. A few years after they married, Mr and Mrs Flewin set out for Gippsland and were among the very early pioneers of this district, settling down here 43 years ago before the railway line was opened to Sale. In fact Mr Flewin, who is a brickmaker by trade, made bricks out of old clay hole (misprint? - possibly holes) close to present Morwell Butter Factory that were used in building railway culverts etc between Morwell and Sale. Subsequently he opened the first brick yard in Morwell, which he carried on successfully for some years. He also had a brick yard at Traralgon for some time, but eventually decided to settle down on land slected by him (over forty years ago) at North Hazelwood. In fact, he is one of the few original selectors who took up land in those days and "stuck to it" till the present time. Mr and Mrs Flewin had a family of four sons and five daughters, all of whom are living except the eldest daughter (Mrs. Swan) who died a few years ago at Stratford. VISITED THE OLD COUNTRY Mr Flewin was born in Kent, England, but arrived in Australia when a boy, being a colonist for 61 years. A few years ago he made a trip home to the Old Country. It might be mentioned that his father, who is 94 years of age, is still living at Ballarat and is hale and harty. Mrs. Flewin was born at Ballarat and is one of the oldest Australian Natives in the state. Tuesday was the 50th anniversary of their wedding, the occasion being celebrated by a gathering of family and relations at Mr and Mrs Flewin's residence, North Hazelwood. The weather was very inclement, but notwithstanding that fact quite a number braved the elements in order to be present at the golden wedding. In addition to the "bride and bridegroom," the bridesmaid was also present, but the best man (who is still living) was unfortantely unable to be in attendance on the occasion. The "bride" still has her "wedding dress," a rich grey silk that she wore fifty years ago and it might also be mentioned that she has a rolling pin and jug that were among her wedding presents, both of which have been in constant use for the past fifty years. WEDDING CAKE The company sat down to a sumptuous "wedding breakfast," and upon the table was a large "three-decker" wedding cake, which was duly cut by the "bride." After ample justice had been done to the good things provided for the inner man, Councillor D. Dunbar proposed the health of the "Bride and Bridegroom," and in doing so referred to the uniqueness of the occasion. He congratulated Mr and Mrs Flewin on being spared to celebrate their golden wedding, and expressed the hope that they would live for many years and continue to enjoy good health and prospertity. On behalf of the company, he presented them with a beautiful silver teapot, and several other presents, including (a) gold brooch for the bride. MANY CHANGES In responding on behalf of the bride and himself, the bridegroom (Mr Flewin) said he was very pleased to see such a large gathering of relations present and he thanked them very sincerely for handsome presents. During their fifty years of married life they had experienced some ups and downs and had witnessed many changes. They, however, had much to be thankful for, and if they should be spared to celebrate their diamond wedding, he hoped all present would be able to attend. The "bridesmaid" was proposed by Mr E.C. Hentschel, who said it was unique for (that) the bride and bridegroom, bridesmaid and best man of a wedding contracted fifty years ago should still be living. He was sorry the "best man" was unable to attend, but was pleased to see the "bridesmaid" present and hoped that when Mr and Mrs Flewin celebrated their golden (sic -- presumably meant diamond) wedding that both the bridesmaid and the best man would be in attendance. A CENTURY? In proposing the health of the bridegroom's father, Mr W Watson referred to the fact that the old man was now 94 years of age and expressed the hope that he would live to reach the century. The family of bride and bridegroom was proposed by Mr G Watson, who spoke in eulogistic terms of the family and the manner in which they had been "brought up." Mr. John Flewin jnr responded in fitting terms, on behalf of the family. Musical honours followed the proposing of each toast, the gathering being a very happy and jovial one. During the evening several songs were rendered, the bridegroom contributing a number of his old favourites.

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