OLD ENGLISH FAIR.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 250, 21 October 1919, Page 7

OLD ENGLISH FAIR.

WATERSIDERS' SELF-HELP EFFORT. BAZAAR OPENED IN TOWN HALL. DEPUTY-MAYOR'S COMMENDATORY REFERENCES. A commendable effort in the direction of self-help is "Ye Olde Englishe Fayre," the bazaar and sale of work organised by the Auckland Waterside Workers' Union, which was opened in the Town Hall this afternoon by the Deputy-Mayor (Mr. A. J. Entrican) and will continue for the next two days. The bazaar has been arranged to serve a triple function, first of all to provide funds in connection with the formation of a waterside workers' band, secondly to assist tlie. Auxiliary Hospital Fund in connection with the Union, «nd thirdly (and more indirectly) to serve as a medium of establishing a better understanding and sympathy between the workers and the general public. Perhaps it is with the last-named object in view that the committee which has organised the fair has set forth in its handbook of the bazaar a very concise and interesting review of the purpose and activities of the Cnion. This should serve to convince the general public that the spirit of selfhelp animates the wharf workers, as witness their benefit funds and the specific objects for which "Ye ()ldc Englishe Fnyre" is being run. With regard to the formation of the band, it may be pointed out that already the sum of about £1100 lias been collected, a set of Hoosey A class instruments has been acquired, and it is hoped that the combination will be ready about February next. The work in connection with theAuxiliary Hospital Fund is perhaps not sn obvious, but the object of this fund is to render assistance to members who are injured in the course of their calling. It needs m> reflection to realise that the hazards of cargo-handling are considerable. The latest aspiration of the watersiders is the acquisition of a social hall, and the committee invites the sympathy and co-operation of the Harbour Hoard and the general public in the attainment of this desideratum. To establish the hand as a civic asset for Auckland and to assist tlie many charitable and social objective with which the Union commit? the ba-zaar to the sympathy of the public. THE DF.CORATIVK SCHEME. The Town Hall presented an attractive and animated spectacle when the fair was op-ned by the Deputy-Mayor (Mr. A. .1. Entrican) at three "o'clock. Those responsible for the organisation of the bazaar have broken away from the beaten track in the general scheme and the decorative idea, for while it is true that incomparable aids to embellishment afforded by t lif New Zealand bush j have not been despised, and there is a I delightful blend of nrt and nature in the cunning arrangement of ferns and other greenery, the more or less threadbare ' bazaar schemes have been boldly abandoned in favour of industrial and commercial exhibitions, to which the greater part of the floor space has been devoted. I Many Auckland tirms have taken advantage of the bazaar to bring their enteri prise and the quality of their wares liefore the public in novel and arresting g.irh. and as a miniature Auckland exhibition alone the fair is well worth a visit. This is not at the expense ol entertainment to visitors, however, and there are numerous sideshows and novelI ties to while away the tiiiu , , outstanding i amongst, which is a tabloid racecourse, I where the event* provide a trial ol I strength and skill for all who participate lin tlie competition on payment of the I m-eesenry fee. The supper-room ha« 'been converted into a large cafe, anil i daily the committee will run a strona I programme of entertainment and amu>e i incut. Following the opening this after j noon were Highland dancing eompeti 1 tions and .1 baby show, and to-night, it .addition to music to be provided by the Garrison Artillery Hand, an excellent concert programme has been arranged ! There will be further dancing eompeti I tions mi Wednesday and Thursday j afternoons, and band and vocal concert! in the evening. In declaring the fair open, the Deputy Mayor expressed liis pleasure at beiii! associated with the waterside workers 1 effort of self-help. He congratulated tin ' promoter on the nucepis that ha< ! already attended their efforts to estah lifih a band, and commended to tlr public the further laudable object the; were aiming at in appealing for funds ii . connection with their sick members am - their dependents. Mr. Entrican went oi > to refer to the casual nature of employ . ment on the waterfront as a reason wli r the workers should organise to help eae \ other in times of n I. pointed out th i liability to accident in connection wit i the loading and discharging of cargocf and remarked thai the men's efforts t i establish funds for the help of comrade ; who were afflicted or in want was d< ) serving of the support and sympathy r . I the public.