Mary Ellen O'Connell

On Thursday evening, at the Mechanics’ Hall (writes our Mooroopna correspondent), a social, organised by Mrs RA Bazley, was tendered to Miss Nellie O'Connell, daughter of Mr W O’Connell, to celebrate her attaining the age of 21 years.

Cr EM Little presided. In his opening remarks, the chairman stated that at the request of Mr O’Connell, he asked all present to do away with any formality, and have a good time, it being a birthday party.

The following program was presented:- Chorus, girl friends of the guest; games, organised by Messrs Wilson and Norton; song, Mrs O Logan; cornet solo, Mr Stan Nurse; highland fling, little Miss Grinter; song, Miss Minna Wilson; duet, Misses Annie O’Connell and C O'Grady; recitation, Miss Clancy. During the evening, colored paper caps were handed round, making a very pretty effect.

In proposing the health of Miss O’Connell, Cr Little stated he had known her all her life, and had a great regard for the way she had undertaken the responsibility of looking after her home and the manner in which she had carried out her duties. For herself personally he had the highest respect. Mr WJ Wilson, in a humorous speech, also paid a tribute to the good qualities of Miss O’Connell and the family generally. Mr WC Crane, of the State School, who had trained the guest of the evening and other members of the family, also spoke in flattering terms.

The birthday cake, made and designed by Mr RA Bazley, consisted of three tiers, and was artistically decorated. The ceremony of cutting the cake was performed by Miss O’Connell after first lighting the 21 candles. The health of the guest was drunk to the singing of "She's a jolly good fellow," with a good will that proved how much the company estimated the young lady.

Mr W O’Connell, in returning thanks on behalf of his daughter, thanked all present for their attendance and the very many gifts. The presents, which were displayed on a table on the stage, numbered close on a hundred, arid were of a very useful variety, and many were valuable.

Supper of the best was served in the hall and, notwithstanding the large number present, all had an opportunity of enjoyment.

Dancing to music supplied by the Misses Clancy (piano and violin), and Mr Stan Nurse (cornet), kept things going till 2 am, when one of the most enjoyable evenings ever spent in the hall come to a close.

In what was termed the suit race J Hill took first prize and J Birt second. During the evening an excellent flashlight photo of the company was taken as a souvenir of the event. In closing the account of this most successful social, praise should be awarded to the ladies for the stage and hall decorations, for they certainly surpassed everything previously attempted. Mr RK Bazley was mainly responsible for carrying out all the arrangements.⁷

The engagement is announced of Miss Nellie O'Connell, daughter of Mr W O'Connell, of Maroopna [sic] to Lieut. RK Bazley, MC and Bar, of Ardmona. Lieut. Bazley, who is a son of Mr and Mrs R Baziey, of Tooiamba, joined the 21st Battalion as a private in the early stages of the war and was on board the Southland when that troopship was torpedoed.¹⁷

A quiet wedding was celebrated at the Roman Catholic Presbytery, Shepparton, on Thursday, the Rev. Father Murphy officiating, when Miss Nellie O'Connell, daughter of Mr W O’Connell, was married to Mr RK Bazley, second son of Mr RA Bazley, of the Toolamba Hotel.

The bride, who was given away by her father, looked very pretty in a frock of figured crepe de chene, her veil being lent for the occasion by Mrs Ross Smith. Miss Annie O’Connell (sister) was bridesmaid, Mr Mick O'Connell being best man.

After the ceremony an adjournment was made to the Rivoli Cafe, where the wedding breakfast was laid out, when the usual toasts were duly honored.

Mr and Mrs Bazley left by the evening train for Melbourne, en route to Healesville, where the honeymoon will be spent. Their future home will be at Ardmona.¹⁸