PATUTAHI BAZAAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 228, 4 October 1901, Page 2

PATUTAHI BAZAAR.

A MOST SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION

Tiik bazaar and concert held at Patutahi yesterday afternoon, in aid of the Presbytetian Church funds, was an unqualified success, notwithstanding the unfavorable state of the weather. A large number of townspeople went out in brakes and cabs, and country residents rolled up in strong force. The Gisborne City Band arrived at Patutahi early in the afternoon, and played a number of selections, which were much appreciated. The bazaar was held in the Patutahi Hall, which was elaborately decorated for the occasion, the committee having secured the kindly assistance of Mrs \V. Adair in this direction. The decorations consisted chiefly of ferns and foliage, and were most artistically carried out. The refreshment stall was in charge of Mrs W. Nesbitt, who was ably assisted by Mesdames W. O. Sheet, Ged.ye, and Cox, and Misses Manson and A. M. Douglas. A roaring business was done at this stall, the ladies doinggood work. The plain needlework stall was in charge of Mesdames Gillinan and Manson. it contained a large number of useful articles, which wore sold at fair prices. Another work stall was under the supervision of Mrs W. Adair, and contained numerous articles calculated to attract the attention of the lady folk. A table containing articles, offered at sixpence each, was in charge of Misses A. Douglas and Stevens, and the young ladies wore kept busy during the afternoon and evening attending to the numerous customers. Another attractive feature of the bazaar was the fancy goods stall, which was presided over by Misses Douglas and Bryson. This department was, perhaps, the most popular one, having articles of a miscellaneous character. The produce stall, which was in charge of Mesdames Mossman and Sadler was ono of the finest that we have seen. There was a great assortment of vegetables and fruit, and some excellent poultry. A bran tub was also run in connection with this stall. Mesdames Mossman and Sadler were assisted by Misses Ruth Sadler and Alice Ferguson. A telegraph office was in charge of Miss Green, assisted by Misses Bella Cameron and B. Hall, the young ladies having a good deal of work to do in receiving and delivering the numerous messages. The lollio stall was in the hands of Miss Gillman, who had a fine assortment of sweets to offer to visitors. Thei'e was no flower stall, but some tasteful button-holes were offered for sale by Misses Ilall, Annie Douglas, K. Gardiner, and 11. Gilhnan. Mr Santclman was in charge of a phonograph, which was much sought after by the young folks. Mr C. P. Longdill gave a display of phrenology, and his services were much in demand by the young ladies. A. great feature of the afternoon’s programme was the jaunts in the donkey cart. The animal in question is owned by Master Dilworth Mossman, but was in charge of Master Pinson Mossman, who proved a most careful driver. The donkey had a very busy afternoon, and was patronised by old and young. The attendance at the bazaar in the afternoon was extremely satisfactory, the building being crowded to excess, the sum of A‘9 lbs being taken at the door, the prices for admission being sixpence and threepence. Ilis Worship the Mayor and Mrs Townley drove out from town early in the afternoon, and shortly after half-past two His Worship opened the bazaar. In the course of an excellent speech, he congratulated the ladies of the district on the success of the bazaar, and hoped there would do well with regard to the financial part of it. The scene during the afternoon and evening was a bright and animated one, and all present thoroughly enjoyed themselves, A number of musical items were given during the evening, including several selections on the piano by Miss Green, Miss Steele sang “ Juanita,” in a most pleasing manner, and Air M. Peterson delighted the audience with his rendering of “ Like a Bird in a Gilded Cage.” As an encore ho contributed “ Only a Leaf” with equal success. Mr Waugh gave a splendid interpretation of “ The Bridge,” and Mrj John Grey sang a Scotch song, entitled “Weel, Wool,” which was much appcciated. Air Smith gave a spirited rendering of “ Lot me Like a Soldier Fall,” which concluded the musical portion of the programme. The accompaniments were played by Alisses J. Adair, Ilowden, and Green.

The bazaar, from a financial point of view, was a great success. The stalls were nearly all cleared, and it is expected that close on ,£'loo will bo obtained, the receipts, as far as was known last evening, amounting to ,£B2. A word of praise is due to the President jof the Ladies’ Committee, Mrs Mossman, for the assiduous manner in which she worked to insure the success of the function. Mrs Mossman was ably assisted by the following ladies, who comprised the committee : Mesdaraes Sadier, Manson, Stevens, 11. Morris, Gillman, Nisbett and McKenzie, Misses Douglas and Bryson. The following gentlemen also did good work in preparing for the gathering : Messrs Gedyc, Mossman, 11. Morris, W. Robb, and Harrison. The latter was unable to be present at the bazaar owing to pressure of business. The thanks of the committee are due to Mrs Stevens, of Patutahi, who kindly placed a room at the disposal of the ladies of the district during the last three months for the purpose of holding a working bee ; to Mr W. Robb, who kindly assisted in connection with the refreshment stall, Mr W. Ranger for the use of his phonograph, Mr Dolenan for a large contribution towards the vegetable stall, and Mr Gedgo for a supply of fowls and turkeys. Mr fledye also gave his services at the door during the afternoon and evening.