ZEALANDIA FAIR.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7391, 18 February 1902, Page 2

ZEALANDIA FAIR.

The ladies who promoted yfeie bazaar in aid of the Catholic Church funds must be complimented on trte fine display they have been able to make. Last evening, when the bazaar, or, as it is called, the fair, opened in the Opera House, the tout ensemble was most attractive, the stalls being set out with considerable taste. On the left as one enters are two fancy goods stalls, prettily draped, and loaded with articles artistic and useful, including cushions, fire screens, painted mirrors, tea cosies, smoking caps, oil paintings, and the other things peculiar to bazaars. Among the more valuable exhibits we noticed two handsome hand painted mirrors donated by the Sisters of the Convent at Wanganui, and exceptionally rich fire screens given by the same ladies ; a painting, warm in colouring, the work of Mr Fraser, of Hawera ; fine specimens of point lace ; a pretty painting on glass, by Miss Wilkinson ; a painting presented by the Sisters of the Mission, New Plymouth ; one on glass by the Sisters of the same Order in Christchurch ; companion pictures (dogs), painted by Miss Ryan ; luxurious chairs; and an oil painting by Mr Meehan, a Napier artist. In addition, there were on view for sale a valuable wardrobe (the work of a local resident), and mirror with a handsome frame, carved by Mr Bailey. These are only a few of the many things the person with money might do worse than look at. On the right hand side of the room are the plain work stall and " canteen." The former, the central attraction of which is a •• bride " (appropriately attired), the gift of Mrs Ellis, is the spot around which the thrifty matrons will be found to linger. There is much good needlework, and bargains (usually unknown at bazaars) may be looked for. On this stall also may be seen a collection of Eastern curios, given by Mr A. J. Whittaker. The " canteen" is loaded with " soft" drinks and sweetmeats, and the receipts give promise of being substantial. A wedding cake, the gift of Mr J. P. Keen, also adorns the "canteen.' At the refreshment stall may be found, if one has the "open sesame," liquids and Bolids of satisfying character, and the lover of a good cup of tea can have it for tho paying. It is intended to run the fair for six nights, and, judging by the stock in trade, patrons will find right up to the finish plenty of scope for investment.

During Monday evening, some graceful dances were performed by several young ladies, prettily attired. One of the most attractive was that called " The Black Watch," but all were well worth seeing, the gavotte {by several ladies) and the caohuoa by four little girls from Wanganui Convent earning hearty applause. The limelight effects, thanks to Mr A. M. Conroy, added to the piotureßqueness of the dances. Miss Sullivan, of Wellington, who took much pains in the training of the dancers, is certainly to foe felicitated on the result.

The two dances by the pupils of Miss Sullivan and the tw*o by the . children from Wanganui Convent will be given this evening at intervals of thirty minutes, beginning at 7.30. There will be also dances every afternoon. %