ST. PATRICK’S BAZAAR.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 2779, 22 October 1923, Page 9

ST. PATRICK’S BAZAAR.

SUCCESSFUL OPENING DAY. The first sessions of St. Patrick’s parish bazaar, which is being held to raise funds for the, new church, indicate a most successful week. • In spite of heavy rain which fell from 3 o’clock onward on Saturday afternoon, the Zealandia Hall was packed and the numerous stalls were well patronised, both then and during the evening sesison. The stalls are ranged along both sides of the hall and each is tastefully adorned, the whole presenting a very festive appearance. Side shows, games, and, various kinds of amusements are provided for those visiting the bazaar, while ticket sellers are busy disposing of numerous competitions. A squad of about 30 girls from the Convent High School, under the charge of Miss J. Metcalfe, provided a brilliant display of physical drill, both in free movement and with clubs. Throughout the bazaar, exhibitions of drill with dumb-bells and wands will be provided. A party of tiny tots has also been trained to give an exhibition of dancing steps. Very comprehensive arrangement has been made for the tug-of-war contests, the first of which will be held to-night. On the landing, the battens have been laid and the release lever for the rope provides a fair method of starting the pull. A dial will indicate to those in the hall the progress of the pull.

The opening ceremony Avas performed by the Mayor (Mr F. J. Nathan), who expressed pleasure at the large crowd, and congratulated the organisers on the splendid display. The object of the bazaar, he said would receive the support, not only of their own denomination, hut of all Palmerstonians. He had a personal interest in the new church, inasmuch as Rev. Father Patterson had bought the site from the speaker’s father, and he hoped the building would be successfully completed and the object of the present bazaar achieved.

The Rev. Father McManus briefly spoke, thanking the Mayor for his remarks and expressing the hope for a successful function.

During Saturday afternoon a baby slioav was hold, and a long row of chubby faces gave the judges, Mesdames F. J. Nathan and L. V. Harman, something to think about in making the aAvards. The folloAving Avere chosen for the honours: Under six months.—r-Mrs Houston’s baby; under tAvelve months—Mrs A. Griffin’s: under eighteen months — Mrs Booker’s. The stallholders are as under:j —

Tobacco,—Misses H. Rodgers, K. O'Sullivan, E. Casey, and Mrs Savage. Tea rooms: Mesdames S. Trask, Grant-Sim, P. Baldwin, S. Healy, Bartlett and Lowery, and Miaa Cameron. Children of Mary: Miss R. Butler and members of the Society, Jumble, Mesdames Goring Johnston and Watson. Awapuni: Mesdames M. vSpclman, Pekin, Vogt, and Eggers, Misses Spelman, Yogt (2), and Murphy. Ladies’ Auxiliary of the St. Vincent de Paul Society: Mesdames C. P. Nash, Collins, Pope, Murphy, McMahon, Waddy, Moffatt, and members of the Society. Hoop-la: Mrs McGrath and Misses Trehey, Small (2), Hookham, Gillespie (2) and McGrath. Flowers: Mesdames T. J. Rodgers, F. J. Oakley, A .M. Ongley, A. S. Faire, and P. F. O’Connor. Produce: Mesdames Hickey and Casey. Meat Stall, (Hibernian Society): Messrs. J. White, J. Follas, T. Cooksley, T. Norris, and Westmoreland. This department ig held under canvas at the side of the hall. The bazaar will bo continued throughout the current week.