A MAORI-PAKEHA BAZAAR. OPENED BY LORD PLUNKET.

Evening Post, Volume LXX, Issue 58, 6 September 1905, Page 2

A MAORI-PAKEHA BAZAAR. OPENED BY LORD PLUNKET.

A Maori-Pakeha bazaar and carnival was opened by His Excellency the Governor in tho Salvation Army's citadel in Vivian-street last night. The commodious building was crowded on floor and gallery.when Lord Plunkot, attended by tho Hoii Captain Bingham, A.D.C., arrived. A Song of Welcome, written for tho occasion, was sung in Maori and English by a party of native girls from Otaki, led by Captain Bull, a young Maoii woman who is in charge of the Otaki corps. The young Maori party subsequently also gave a gracoful demonstration of the poi dance, and, in response to a demand for more, five of the girls gavo the moie elaborate double' poi danco. " Fifteen smartlooking, neatly-dressed members of tho Boys' Brigade sang a quaint action-song about a defeat of Satan, and thirteen young girls from the Children's Homo sang another action-song about nelfdonial. The children wore trained by Mr. F. Woodroffo, and their songs wero unaccompanied. The brass baud also contributed selections. Lord Plunkefc was welcomed by Major Albiston, who, snid the speaker, had honoured tho Army and recognised its work oy his attendance. . His Excellency replied that it had been a pleasure to him to accopt tho invitation to open the bazaar. It was very apparent that tho Salvation Army hud not forgotten the parable of'tho widow's mite. It was perfectly marvellous tho work the Army was able to do, seeing that its support camo from tko poorest communities, lie did not' know that ho was expected to mako a. speech ; he only thought of having lv's pocket picked ! (Hearty laughter.) , His previous experience of the Army's methods were gathered at the street corner, and his most striking impression was an empty tambourine. He expected that tambourine to be placed Jjcfoi'e him as soon aa ho enteied tho building. (Moro laughter.) Ho assured the gathering that he would bo pleased and proud to help the Army at any timo. Concluding, Lord Plunket thanked- tho young Maoris for their Song of Welcome. Subsequently, in declaring the bazaar and carnival open, His Excolloncy raised a laugh by remarking thnt an Irishman woxild liko to talk for ever, if thq_ opportunity was given, but as tho present occasion marked a period of self-denial effort ho would deny himself furthor speech. / Brisk business was done throughout the evening at tho various stalls, His Excellency setting the example as-a purchaser. A foaturo of the bazaar is a stall' containing a largo assortment of Maori curios and articles manufactured by natives. Tho Junior Locals nnd No. 1 nnd No. 2 companies havo drapery stalls, tho inmates of the Children's Homo lun a lbllie stall, Captain Hodge has chat'go of a stall of novelties, Staff-Captain Young is in chnt'gc of tho refreshment stall, and Mr. F. Woodroffe has chnrge of a butter slnll. In addition, Mr. J. Wilkinson has a stationers' stall, Mr. A. P. Webb hats, nnd mercery, Mr. J. H. Hinton fruit,. Messrs. Day and Co. onlnrged photographs, nnd a corner becomes Biltterworth's Old Curiosity Shop. Tho enrnival is to continue open every evening until next Tuesday. This evoning tho Maori girls from Otaki are to provido a programme of poi games, nction-songs, otc. ""■ The bazaar nlul carnival has boon organised as a means of raising funds for Army work, nnd is being held during tho annual self-denial period.