SILVER LINING FAIR

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 64, 13 September 1932, Page 11

SILVER LINING FAIR

CITY MISSION EFFORT

SUCCESSFUL OPENING

The organiser and promoters of the "Silver Lining Fair,'?, in aid of all the various good works carried on by the Wellington City Mission,.must have felt gratified at the large attendance at the opening ceremony, which took place yesterday afternoon -at the Town Hall. Every seat was taken in:the centre of the hall, and a largo number of people stood around while a good number found a place in tho gallery. The decorations were excellent, the ' stone effect" and other parts used at the Mayor's ball were all left, and to these energetic workers had added gaily-decked stalls, well-made paper flowers being used—scarlet and yellow poppies, pink and red roses, tulips, petunias, blue, convolvulus, and other bright flowers, well intermingled with feathery greenery. The doll stand was adorned with gay little kewpies, and the refreshment stall boasted a moon and stars. A point of interest that attracted all the boys was a wonderfully well-made boat, with mast complete, quite "sailable" and not a toy, which was the work of two of the hostel boys, Fred Peterson and Gerald Sharp. This is to be raffled, and should bring in a satisfactory sum. i ■ . Wonderful work has been done, not only by parishioners and others specially interested in the men's shelter, but by the suburban churches," as far away as Paraparaumu. Those are taking days," for the cake and produce and tea stalls. Wadestown made a splendid beginning yesterday with a wonderful show of good produce and pantry goods. Toe H is running '.'Noah's Ark," with a fine display of home-made toys, and great help is being given by many young ones, including the "Stop-Out Club," the Scouts, night school, and' hostel boys. It was delightful to see so many energetic and interested young people working, as well as the older ones, who always support tho mission, work so splendidly. ' GOVERNMENT'S APPRECIATION. The fair was opened by the Hon. A. Hamilton. He was introduced by Mr. J. W. Henderson (chairman), who added that they had to secure at least £10 each day to carry oh the shelter, let alone;the other mission work./ Mr. Hamilton said the Government greatly appreciated the wo.rk that was being done by the mission in the way of alleviating the distress. He felt that this was absolutely essential work, and he was much impressed at what was being done by the City' Mission. He attended the services' sometimes, and was delighted with the spirit which prevailed in the work. Mr. Taylor's name was a household word in the city, so well known for work among the unemployed and others. He spoke of the difficulty in raising money at this time, and said he was impressed-with the story of the great numbers of meals and beds provided/at the mission, of the schools and shelters, and help for old people, and was filled with wonder as'to where the money came from. There must be good organisation, and many kindly people helping to attain such results. He was sure that many gave to the utmost of their means nowadays; and in tho case of the mission they knew that the funds were most'carefully administered; all the •heljrb.eing- voluntary. Ho urged that people ytnust try to get on without appealing to the Government for more and yet more help, and the giving of voluntary, service was a fine way of assisting .if money could not be spared. Personal service and contact with those in pover.ty and other troubles were essential for the healthy life of a community, i:ormany were absolutely unable to got on'without help, and the- element of noighbourliness was" a valuable aiid necessary one. The State was in i the background, but should, not-be made the first line of appeal. He felt that perhaps one of the good things that might follow the present stringency was that a more simple life would be engendered; people; .would draw together more; simple pleasures and more neighbourliriess would be the. outcome of better knowledge of how other people liyed. He concluded, with very hearty good wishes for the success.of the fair, and a cordial appreciation of the value of the social service rendered by the missioner and his many friends and helpers. The Bey. T. Fielden Taylor added a few words of thanks to the Minister for his attendance, and to all who had helped to gather together such a splendid faii;. SOME OP THE STALLS. Among those on the platform were the Bishop of Wellington (the Eight Bey. Dr; Sprott), the Beys. Moir and Sykes, the church trustees, Mr. H. Mirams, Mr.'P. Fraser, M.P., and Mrs. Fraser. Mrs. Fielden Taylor, who was present also, was -the recipient of a charming bouquet of flowers, these having' been provided by Mr. Clarke (Central Park), and made up artistically by Miss Murray. Among many points of interest in the fair is the tearoom, which was excellently managed yesterday by Mrs. Cole and assistants,1 and which will be supplied each day with all necessaries by various parishes. The boys' hostel is running a capital variety stall for the hostel "queen." A bookstall in charge of Mrs. Allen (a lady of-83 years) is wonderfully well supplied, and there is an outstandingly good sweet stall of real home-made goods. The work stalls also show the results of many points of patient, work by clever and artistic people, and the side-shows are all capitally arranged. The fair should be a cheerful and amusing rendezvous this week for young and old, as each evening good entertainment is arranged. TUG-OF-WAR. Great interest was taken in last night's tug-of-war competitions, during which there were many close pulls. Moera Amateur Boxing Club, which was matched against City Council Electrons, was successful in the first two"pulls. Jenkins Gym. A and Pirates A won a pull each of the first two pulls, but in the third pull the former team was successful, after a keen struggle. In the match- between the Petone League Football Club and a "Dominion" team, the first and second pulls went to the Petone representatives. The winning teams in last evening's contests wili meet the winners of to-night's pulls tomorrow evening. TO-DAY'S PROGRAMME. This afternoon a novelty competition was staged at tho fair, and to-night the pupils of Miss Margaret O'Connor will give an exhibition of dancing. The Savage Club Orchestra and the R.N.V.B. Band will- be in attendance. The tug-of-war teams matched for to-night's pull are Pirates B v. Petone Bowing Club, and Jenkins Gym. B v. Alliance. The Nireaha- team will be pulling to-morrow night. Mr. S.- R. Murray is the referee in to-night's contests, and Mr. Ned. Perry will officiate for the remainder of the week.