SUCCESS OF OPENING NIGHT.

Hastings Standard, Volume VIII, Issue 4152, 11 February 1904, Page 2

SUCCESS OF OPENING NIGHT.

THE BALL PACKED. The Drill Hall was literally, jijacked last evening on the opening night of the Bazaar and Carnival, and Hie peo pie were wedged so tightly, that movement was just barely possible hv winding and shouldering through Hie dense throng. The large attendance, although a matter of much satisiaeliou as showing 1 the • popularity oi mo function, was not so good for the ■stall holders, as it was impossible to transact business in the surgrtig crowd and some of the ladies complained that, in the confusion, several articles were filched from ( their stalls. His Excellency the Governor and Suite arrived about it o'clock and they, together with the Premier and Hiss Seddon and Sir William and j La,dy Russell, witnessed a caKe walk I dance, executed by Misses B. Harts- [ horn, M. .Bamforth, J. MeConnell, B. ; Taylor.. C. Warren, and 1- White Ales srs O. Wellwood, G. Hartshorn, and V. Smith. This- dance, which was \jery gracefully presented, was produced under the direction of Miss K. Hartshorn, and the dancers would have undoubtedly received an encore for their performance, but here, again the terrific crush prevented tha public from enjoyment. The performance took place in the Hall amongst the people, and a space was cleardul in the centre for the distinguished visitors, whilst all outside was one solgj mass of perspinng humanity, straining for a glimpse of the scene. The dance occupied only; about five minutes, but during tjfiftfc time some ladies had to be removed from the packed mass in a fainting condition, aitd bitter complaints were to be heard on all sides. The various side shows did excellent business, Madame Zeliea doing a thriving tral'.ie in the fortune telling department which needed no touting. Punch and Judy, that time Honored tragedy which so delighted our infantile minds more years ago than we care to recall, was there and the reprobate Punch repeated his infamous career many, times to the huge pleasure of his juvenile admirers. Miss Roach's bridal party also attracted considerable attention from the public, and the dressing and posturing of the 'dolls was niueh admired. Mr W. F. Y. Stewart and bis t stall of operators and messengers were kept very busy receiving and des patching telegrams from and to liun dreds of parsons in the building who were concerned to send messages to each other. The tea rooms were largely patronised, and Mrs Canning and her assistants were worked of! their feet, in attending to the requirements of their patrons. The Secretary, Mr J. A. Fraser, was here, there and everywhere at once, answering questions, giving directions, soothing complaints, 'coaxing the crazy ones. Iflting the lazy ones/? afl/d all with a smile on his face and a joke on his Hps. In the midts of his tremendous work his courtesy to the press representatives deserves grateful acknowledgment. During the evening the following raffles were drawn Panama hat, Mr G. S. Kemp, To Ante ; Silver brushes, Miss Bess, Wellington; cushion. Miss Low; cy, Havelock ; Bridle, Mr (V«Keefe. Possibly one of the most attractive items in the Drill Hall Carnival will be the concert on Friday night. The items to be rendered will not be numerous, but it is safe to say that, in quality, a Hastings audience has at no time had such a musical menu provided for them. The management has secured the services of Miss Amy Hyde, from Wellington; Miss Tansley, from Dannevirke; and Messrs Greg on and Parker, from Napier, We learn that Miss Hyde is one of the most charming young singers that 1 Maoriland claims as their own, and authorities say thit her interpretation of classical and ballad music reaches bigli-watcr mark. Miss Tansley is a universal favorite, and will be welcomed by everyone who is moved by the concord of sweet sounds. Mr (Jregson, though new to a Hastings audience, is an accomplished musician, and Mr Parker will "speak a piece" in his native tongue; No true Scotchman therefore should be absent. It is quite on the cards that Mr T. M. Wilford, M.H.R. (one of the most accomplished amateurs in the colony) and the lloir J. Carro'l pre* sent and lend assistance.