ST. MATTHEW'S BAZAAR.

Auckland Star, Volume XII, Issue 3527, 25 November 1881, Page 3

ST. MATTHEW'S BAZAAR.

IN opening the Bazaar yesterday afternoon, His Lordship the Bishop said that it had been the wish of both Mrs Cowie and himself to help in some substantial way, but their engagements had been 30 many and so imperative, that it had been impossiblo for them to give the measure of assistance which they desired. Somo people, he had noticed, did not take the interest that others did in connection with Church work, and some misuDdersta'uding had arisen in consequence. Thore were causes connected with the Church for which he would not like to sco bazaars established and money raised in that way. But when the objects of a bazaar was, as in the case of the one he was opening, to provide funds for the liquidation of a debt incurred In the extension of the Church, the orection or repair of a mission chapel, Kchoolhou.se, and clergyman's residence, or anything of a similar character designed for the parochial good, he thought that there would be very few who would withhold their sym.' pathy and help. Indeed, he would be sur« prisod that any had refused to give any holp when the object was the improvement of the parochial machinery. Ho one could doubt that a mission chapel and schoolbouse were important parts of such machinery, and it was necessary above all things that the clergyman should be provided with a comfortable house, so that his health should not suffer. The objects of a bazaar in such a caso were thoroughly good, and such as all the parishioners must sympathise with. Unfortunately, the weather of that day, though f;ood for the country, was bad for the bazaar. t would improve, ho wover, and he hoped thai the willing labours of tho promoters of the affair would be amply rewarded. In pio'portion as the number of persons who had helped in the work was email, the greater credit was due to them for their labours, and therefore he had to congratulate the persons—and especially the ladies —who had worked for the bazaar upon their courage and perseverance, and ho trusted that they would not be put off from pursuing the objects they had in view by an apparent want of sympathy in some quarters. Them win reason for believing that the bazaar would yield everything that could be expected from it—that as hitherto there would be peace and harmony in the church, and that the results of the effort would encourage the officers to go on extending and improving the machinery of the parish. Notwithstanding the very unfavourable state of the weather, there was a fair number of visitors at the bazaar in the course of the evening, and as the ladies were unremitting in their endeavours to dispose of the exhibits, a good many spies were effected. The patrons oE the affair need not expect to be able to resist tho solicitations of the fair 7cndore to bny, for the inscription over the door, "All Cash Abandon Ye who Enter Here," proclaims their resolution, and gives warranty to all legitimate efforts to increase the expenditure of the visiting public. The stranger certainly complains of being taken unawares if he disregards tho warning legend, and once he passes within the dreaded portals he must resign himself to Ida fate or fortune as it may variously be regarded. There was no lack of amusement last night. An amusing farce called '' The Census " was enacted in the entertainment room, while Mrs Jarley's Waxworks, and the Royal Academy Exhibition "hugely surprised" and greatly ticketed the feelings of those who were curious enough to pay to see them. The biuaar was re-opened at three o'clock this afternoon, and so far appears to be more largely patronised than it was yesterday. This evening a number of beautiful goods are to be disposed of on the art union principle, and then, in addition to the usual attractions, there will be some amateur theatricals as well. The bazaar will be open to-morrow, and Monday also, in consequence of the inclemency ot the opening day. The Artillery band will be in attendance from eight p.m.