THE ANNUAL HAPARA FETE.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 86, 31 December 1887, Page 2

THE ANNUAL HAPARA FETE.

Thb Annual Fete in connection with the Holy Trinity Church took place at the Hapara on Thursday afternoon. To a great extent me success of gatherings such as the above depends upon the weather, and on previous occasions the promoters of the Fete have always oeen favored with a beautiful afternoon and evening. But unfortunately 'Thursday turned out a very unpromising day, and the coid showers in the morning anything but pleasant euntemplatioa for those who wisned to be piesent. The afternoon was really very suitable as the day wore on, but large numbers who luten.ded to go out were aft aid to trust the vagaries of the weather. Under better circumstances the attendance would have been considered poor, but as it was the number was most satiefautory. Jt would peihups be impossible io secure a nicer place for such an as«emb<y - the tasletuuy laid uubaud well-kept grounds being alone a pleasure to inspect, and Mr ivees’ generosity in placing tue property at tha disposal of the Church officers must be highly appreciated. At two o’clock the conveyances of Messrs blevenson, Tansley, and Lutle were put on the road, and kept running with passengers to and fro Until the evening’s euj lymeut was concluded, shortly after nine o’clock- When it is remembered that thaw gentlemen did the wora free of charge their generosity wi j need no further Comment from us. The Garrison Band, too, acted in a most generous spirit and added greatly to me enjoyment <jf the afternoon. Of course on the effijit* of tha ladies who gave their services the greatest responsibility rested, and they performed men- seif assumed tanks in a manner which did them medit. Fur those who cared to play lawn tenuis a splendid lawn was available, and three sets of ptayers kept it engaged for the best path ui tha time. Cuuket material was also at hand, and other games, such as rounders and “ French tig,” were kept going mstnly. Another pastime—shying at cocoanuts—was well supported, and several ladies were brave enougu to try ttteir skiil, one lady actually succeeding in lopping off the nut. For the juveniles mere was also plenty of fun provided. A Christmas tree was presided over by Hie Mieses Baker, Miss Parnell, and Miss Tnmupson, aud e Mrs Baker, Miss Wnhams, and A. Booth supervised the sale of work. Mrs Nolan had charge of the fruit stall. Tea was set out under the trees at fi/d o’clock, me various tables being arranged with a view bom to tuc tastes and appetites of me guest s. The tab es were presided over by Mis D-Lautour and M<s Suer rati; Mrs Bourke, Mrs Pollen, M.ss Barry, and Mies Boom; Mis Greenwood, Mrs Finn, and Mrs Weetmun ; Mrs Humphries, Mrs A. Cooper, and Mrs ilaichito ; the Misses Taylor; Mrs Drummond and Miss Nesbitt. A large t> umber of other ladies assisted. Many more people at rived from iown in time for tea, anl also later on tor the concert. The evening turned out a fine moonlight one, though it was rather coid tor sitting down in the open air, even with the nice shelter of the trees. The conceit came off very buccesbfuily, all of those taking part in it being greeted with rounds ot upp.uuse. The overture was a pianoforte soio uy Miss Bees, and. songs fol lowed from Miss Sue. ton, Mr Shelton, Miss Sandes, Mrs Weetman, Mr Dalrymple and Mr Nock; duets by Miss Sandes and Mr Dalrymple,; a pianoforte duet by Misses Rees and Siaue ; a trio by Misses Saudes and Putter; and a humorous recitation by Mr Laing. The Kev. Mr Fox made a brief address of thanks to ail those wnu had helped to make the Fete a success, and said that though the attendance was not so large as in previous years, attributable of course to the weather, he oelieved the gathering was really a greater success than i s predecessors. The entertainment was concluded b> the singing of the Duxology, but, b fne breaking up, three cheers were gi/teii t n M and Mrs Rees. Conveyances were in waiting for the horn ward trip, and took down full lo ds of ptss ng 'rs, bu. many Preferred the pleiwaut walk home.