KNOX CHURCH BAZAAR.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 105, 4 May 1900, Page 6

KNOX CHURCH BAZAAR.

The bazaar in connection with the Knox Church, Parnell, was opened in the Choral Hall yesterday by His Excellency the Governor under most favourable auspices. The fact that the gathering was to pay off the debt on the church, combined with the loveJy weather, drew a large crowd to the opening ceremony. His Excellency, accompanied by the Hon. Charles HillTrevor, A.D.C.. was received by the I'eA*. Hugh Kelly, ALA. (minister), and the officers of the church, and conducted to a seat on the platform. The hall, which was gracefully hung with ilags, looked most charming, the stalls being lavishly decorated with greens and flowers.

As the vice-regal party entered, Mr J. V. Dennett (organist oi' Knox Church) played the National Anthem. The Doxology was then sung, ami Key. li. F. Macnicol offered up prayer.

The Rev. 11. Kelly, in the course of. a few remarks, explained the object v.C tbe bazaar.

His Excellency, in declaring the bazaar open, apologised for the absence of '.Lady Itanfiirly. He did not think that the church, being a new one, need be ashamed of being in debt; if they were to advance —and they must advance—they must incur debt. He had groat pleasure in declaring the bazaar open, and hoped that the church ■would continue to do good work and flourish.

During- the afternoon a short mnsie.nl programme wins gone, through. Mr and Mrs Hamilton Hodge were heard to splendid advantage in the duet. "The Fisherman," both voices blending perfectly. The Misses Maxwell were very successful in their duet "Sainted Mother," from "Mavitana," and Mr J. F. Bennett contributed severs] items on the organ in his usual finished style.

During the afternoon and evening brisk business was done at the various stalls, and the .attendance in the evening was especially large. The interior of the hall presented a very gay and pretty spectacle, and the flags of. all nations displayed round the walls and overhead considerably enhanced the effect. The waxworks., shooting gallery, phonograph, weighing machine and art gallery all attracted crowds of interested visitors.

' The following are the stalls and the names of the ladies in charge: —Art Stall, Mrs Ross (in charge), Misses Floekton, Daisy Thompson, Hattie Poss, Kelly, Boss. Flower Stall,- Mrs Voting (in charge), Misses Young. Gilmour, A. Eoss, Haslett, Jessie Brook, Hey thorn. Refreshment Stall. Mrs Grant (in charge), Mrs Gih-.nour, Mrs Haslett, Airs Bevins, Misses K&'ir, Grant, 13. Ross, M. Mueller, Cardno, Gilmer. Sweets' Stall. Misses Bell (in charge), H. R. Bell, Armstrong. Young Ladies' Guild Stall: Misses Moore (in charge), Jtcid, M. Robinson, Mn Thomas, Mrs Jenkins. Fish Pond: Misses L. Grant (in charge), Hosking, Jessie. Brett. Singer Machine Stall:" Miss Sayeiv, (in charge). Produce Stall: Mrs Percy (in charge), Mrs Brook. Organ Stall: Mrs Maxwell (in charge), Mrs Bennett, Misses F. Maxwell, M. Maxwell, Ryrie, F. Taylor. Watt. Crinkled Paper Stall: Mrs Stilwcll (in charge), Mr-; Burrow, Misses C. Brook, E. Taylor. China. Stall: Mrs Moors (in charge), Mrs Collins. Guild Stall: Mesdames Mueller (in charge), Killip. Trimble, Geisow, Misses Mueller, Robinson. K. McQuarrie, Armitage. • Doll Stall: Mrs Martin (in charge), Misses M. Grant, A. Kelly, Carrick, A. Haslett, Clark, Richmond. Parcel Stall: Master Tom Haslett, Master Bert Ilutson.

Mrs parley's Waxworks were arranged by Miss Sayers and Mr Ernest E. Crenier. The shooting gallery is in charge of Mr Arthur Gilmour, the weighing machine is in charge of Mr James Martin, and the phonograph is in charge of Mr F. R. Stilwell." The fine art gallery is under the care of Mr George Nairn. Mrs Kelly is president of the ladies engaged in superintending the stalls. During the evening an excellent musical and miscellaneous entertainment was provided, for the numerous Tisitors, who all thoroughly enjoyed themselves. F.wr beautiful tableaux ("Execution of Mary Queen of Scots," "Rebecca at the Well," "The Reaper," and "The Finding of Moses") were displayed, and aroused great admiration. The tableaux were splendidly arranged by Mr Tbeo. Queree. A squad of •volunteers belonging to the Victoria Pifles, under Sergeant-Major Mclntosh, went through the bayonet exercise in faultless style. Songs were contributed by Mrs E. M. Davis, Mr W. H. George find Mr Lawrence.

The bazaar will be open this evening ond to-morrow afternoon and evening, and there will be' a change .of programme each evening. The display of fancy and useful goods is very large and varied, and the ladies of the church lia.ve spent a great deal of time, as ■well as labour, in bringing the affair to such a successful issue. Special credit is due to the minister of the church (Rev. Hugh Kelly), and Messrs A. M. Bell (hon. secretary) and John B. P.iterson (hon. treasurer) for their assiduous labours in the interests of the bazaar.