Michael Patrick O'Connell

An interesting marriage took place at the Sacred Heart RC Church, East Trentham, on Wednesday. The contracting parties were Michael, the fifth son of Michael O'Connell, and Sarah, second daughter of Mrs Hart, both of East Trentham. The ceremony was performed by the Rev M Quinn, PP, assisted by the Rev Father O'Rafferty.

The bride, who looked very handsome, was attired in a cream costume with trimmings of white silk, pearls and chiffon, and carried a lovely bouquet, the gift of the bridegroom. The bridesmaids were:- Miss Norah Hart (sister of the bride), attired in violet sedan cloth, fawn silk and braid trimmings, with fawn felt hat and violet trimmings; Miss Nellie Harper, dressed in electric blue, fur and silk trimmings, and white felt hat; Misses Mary and Nellie Hart (nieces of the bride), electric blue nun's veiling, and white beaver tam hats; Miss Mary McCarthy (niece of the bride), cream nun's veiling, and cream tan hat. Mr Isaac Hart (brother of the bride), was best man. The bridegroom presented the bride with a beautiful gold brooch set with opals, and each of the bridesmaids with nicely finished watches.

At the conclusion of the ceremony the party adjourned to the residence of the bride's mother, where an excellent breakfast awaited them and was partaken of by upwards of 70 guests. The Rev Father Quinn, in a happy speech, proposed the toast of 'The Bride and Bridegroom,' to which the latter suitably responded. Other toasts usual at such occasions were also honored. In the afternoon and evening a very enjoyable programme was proceeded with, in which music and dancing were prominent, and during which the happy couple took their departure for Melbourne, where they spent their honeymoon. The bride's travelling dress, like all of those previously described, was exceedingly handsome, both it and the wedding dress being the work of Miss Creagh, of Kyneton. The travelling dress consisted of violet sedan cloth, fawn silk and braid trimmings, with fawn felt hat and violet trimming. The magnificent wedding cake, with its floral embellishments, was supplied by Mr W Murray, of Kyneton. Numerous handsome presents were received by the bride, which were both useful and costly.⁴

Taking it out of his hide
Michael Patrick O'Connell was charged with having on the night of May 21 assaulted James Morris, a North Blackwood miner, on Tylden road.

Mr Hewison appeared for the informant, and Mr Hurry for the defence.

Mr Hewison's statement of the case was prefaced with the remark that Morris owed money to O'Connell, but had not been able to pay. On May 24 both parties were in Kyneton celebrating the Queen's Birthday. Morris was the first to start homewards, and had proceded as far as Hardie's brickyards when he was overtaken by O'Connell and another man who was not identified. O'Connell demanded money, and on Morris replying that he had none O'Connell said he would have some before Morris got home that night.
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A scuffle took place, in which Morris was knocked down and beaten, and O'Connell knelt on him and pressed his knees into his stomach.
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Immediately before the opening of the court O'Connell came to Morris and expressed sorrow for what bad occurred, and said he would rather settle the matter than go into court.
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In cross-examination Morris admitted that he owed £25 to O'Connell for wages. Years ago he bought a horse from O'Connell at £33 and paid £5 deposit, and subsequently 5s in the £1 on the balance.
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Morris stated that O'Connell had threatened to take payment out of his hide.
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Mr Hurry for the defence pleaded that his client was under the influence of drink, and had been annoyed by Morris saying that he (O'Connell) had faked up his account. Mr Hurry had nothing further to urge in mitigation, but simply asked that the penalty should be made as light as possible.
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Defendant was fined £3 or 3 weeks' imprisonment, with £3 10s 6d costs, to be recovered by distress. A week's grace was allowed.

The PM declined to allow the informant any costs, as the defendant had not been very well treated in money matters by him.⁹