THE SUMMER GARDEN.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 8115, 10 November 1904, Page 2

THE SUMMER GARDEN.

A MOST .SUCCESSFUL AFFAIR.

The opening day of the Summer Garden —an effort being made by the Methodists to raise funds tor the erection of a new church — was crowned witli success. The interior of the Opera House presented an appearance at once artistic and restful. Immediately upon entering the door a trellis gave the first indication of the garden representation and beyond, on the stage, tho eye was immediately attracted to a charming tea- house, half hidden, half revealed by a vista of ferns and other greenery. At the right of the steps leading to the kiosk' was a sloping lawn nicely rolled and cut in appearance, and complete even to the manufactured border enclosing it. The door to the side-room was gained by passing through a magnificent summer house or rather, two, one on top of the other, of splendid design. About the hall stalls were arranged which did a thriving business. At the left hand upon entering the hall is a lolly and refreshment stall at which delec- ) table sweets are purveyed by fair attendants. Further on is another summer house, and then the plain sewing stal. Here may be had linen of every kind belonging to the particular department for which this section caters, and at prices that easily tempt visitors. Opposite is the fancy work stall, where an array of beautiful articles are displayed. The collection is much above the ordinary. There is fancy work of every imaginable design, all useful and ornamental, and the variety of "stitches" shown should offer great fascination to all interested in the finer arts of needlework. Handsome cushions and paintings, dainty linen articles, charming babies' clothes, and many other sections too numerous to particularise. Past the summer house is a splendid fern collection, and then the doll stall. Here may be found all manner of dolls dear to juvenile female hearts, dressed in all manner of "fetching" costumes. In the centre of the hall seats arc arranged in a triangle enclosing a fern arrangement of choice and refreshing appearance. Everywhere else there is a wealth of green festoonry which enhances the general attractiveness. On the stage has been arranged a series of delightful little tea rooms, to which parties may repair for refreshment, each section being curtained off to ensure reasonable privacy. Here, as elsewhere, everything is arranged in a fashion which reflects the greatest credit upon the artistic instinct of Mr C. A. Bates, who designed the arrangements, and his many skilful assistants. No praise would be too lavish to bestow upon their efforts. In the afternoon the Garden was formally opened by the Mayor (Mr Robbing), who expressed his pleasure at the preparations for a pleasant and profitable time. He took ocasion to remark upon the growth of Methodism, and said it was a tribute to the popularity of the Hawrra congregation's minister that a more commodious church was necessary. During the evening the Borough Band played at the hall, the music being thoroughly appreciated, and there were -sideshows to be enjoyed. A concert was arranged as well as various competitions, such as bed-making, hat-trimming, pil-low-fighting, etc., while many lost and found themselves again in the maze. All the stalls did good ousiness, not so much by being coaxed into buying as by the merits of the goods offered and the low price put upon them. There were many willing workers and many prettily dressed girls sold tickets for the Various 'entertainments, and assisted in other ways. Those in charge at the various stalfs.etc, were: —

liOlly Stall. Misses H. >.I»rcl. 7 J. A' Court, and Barley. Plain Sewing — Mesdames Dixon, Dailey, and Foy, senr. Dolls.— Misses W. Murch and N. Parry. Fancy Work. — Misses D. Murch, and Walker, Mesdames Baraett, Hobson, and Eames.

Tea Rooms. — Mesdames Martin, Keen, Hurrell, Young. Side-shows. — Messrs Grace, James Hutchens, Berry, Kilvington, Wclham, Hobbs, Barraclough, Grace, Baker.