A PICKWICK FAIR

Evening Star, Issue 14534, 9 December 1910, Page 4

A PICKWICK FAIR

Who has not read and enjoyed, nay, laughed heavily over, the doings and miedomgs of the characters of Charles Dickens's 'Pickwick Papers'? Pickwick stories ever find favor wilh readers, of Dickens. The adventures of Sam Wellor and other notables are not alone known to tho old : the young aro thoroughly conversant with the unfortunate incidents which attended tho shooting party and those who attempted to learn the enticingart of ice-skating. But that was years ago. A happy idea has been hit upon by Cargill Road Methodists. Their financial position perhaps needs improving; eo, bout upon improving it as much as possible, they have instituted a "Pickwick Fair." On-: wanders round the spacious Cargill Road Wesley Hall with an air of contentment. On all sides there is sometliing to remind one of the Pickwick party. The "common" refreshment room is not seen; instead it is designated " The Maypole Inn." Tho Guild Stall bears an inviting poster : " Pickquick what you want," and few resist the invitation. '"The Old Curiosity Shop " is not forgotten inside, for behind the counter are articles from kitchen gardens and, not least, a kg of mutton. There-is also the maypole, around which in the evening gaily-dressed juveniles brightly trip. "Tho Misses Stiggins " preside over the holly stall. Tho fair was declared open last evening by Hie Mayor of Dunedin (Mr T. Colo. His Worship has the knack of making humorous speeches, and last evening he lived up to his reputation. He told happy stories of his own dealings with the Methodist Church, and <lid not disguise the fact that he had not been in their church for ten years. Tie found pardon in the fact that ho had always sent his children io be christened there. Ho concluded by remarking on the efforts of those concerned in making tho fair a success. He, with much pleasure, declared it open for business.

On the call of tho Rev. D. .7. Murray chcers were heartily given for Mr Cole.

The h'.ili was crowded, and business was brisk, so it ir. to be hoped that the church colters will bo replenished more than a little.

Tho following aro ir. charge of the various stalls : Guild Stall.—Lady members of the Guild. Tor'Stall.—Miss Rosca car and members of the. Junior Endeavor Glass. Lollv Stall.—Misses Salmon and BushKiiiL'.' Post-cirri Stall. —Misses R. Howard, and G. Lewis. Refreshment Room.—Mrs Ra.inr»ford and assiskmU.

Product- Stall.—Members of Yuung Men's Bible Class. Flower Stall.—Miss SYott. njitl Mr A. Biiil^eniiin. Fancy Mtii.ll.—"Mjfs Woibois and members of Young Women';; Bible Cl;ir-s. The concert portion of the lair was undoubtedly excellent. The maypole dance was especially successful. The children for tin's pari. wc.ro trained by Miss'!.-; Gale, Peterson, Rain, Scott, and Mr (.'. E. Cole. A competition hrje-of-war was held. It proved veiy exciting, ;:.nd occupied threequarters of an hour. Six teams competed, and pride of place fell to .St. Kilda Methodist.

The fair will be concluded this evening. Koine think it should be prolonged. Shooting competition;; will lako place. The Cavcrsham Rand will discourse music.