WESLEYAN BAZAAR, BLENHEIM.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IV, Issue 269, 16 November 1869, Page 2

WESLEYAN BAZAAR, BLENHEIM.

On Monday morning, Nov. 1, by dint of arduous efforts on the part of the Committee, the Council Chamber was gaily decked out for the purpose by noon, when the doors were opened, and the room im« mediately crowded by a large assemblage, including many persons from a distance. The Rev. R. L. Vickeks opened the proceedings by stating that the Wesleyan Conference having decided that this should be a station for a married minister, it became necessary that a residence should be provided for him. His Honor Mr. Eyes had promised to open the Bazaar, buc had been prevented from doing so by circumstances over which he had no control, and Dr. Muller had kindly consented to take his place. S. L. Muller, Esq., R.M., said that he had not anticipated being in his present position, but owing to the absence of his Honor the Superintendent he had come there at the eleventh hour to assist the present desirable object as far as his interest would go. He felt much pleasure in the scene before him, and could congratulate his friends who were present on the greatly improved state of Blenheim. Its appearance was widely different twelve years ago, when he first arrived here. It was then known as the Beaver, tbough now claiming a name of higher standing. When he catne here there was but one building:, and that was occupied by some very queer characters — old whalers, Maoris, &c, whose yells and blasphemous language was horrible to hear. A great moral, as well as material change had taken place — Blenheim now contained three Churches besides the Wesleyan Chapel, which was a very substantial building, aud highly creditable to that body. He considered the churches, independent of their sucred character, as a great improvement to the town. Something more, however, was yet wanting — a residence for their minister — and he felt sure that he could see a very favorable answer to their present appeal in the gay scene before him. He wished the Wesleyans all possible success, and concluded by declaring the Bazaar duly opened. The Misses Budge, accompanied by Mrs. Kissling on the pianoforte, and Mr. Hoskins on the violin, then sung the National Anthem. During the remainder of the evfning also they added greatly to ihe entertainment of the visitors by performing a variety of lively music at intervals. The stalls consisted of a large assortment chiefly for ladies' and children's wear, knitted, crotchet, and wool work, sofa cushions,, stools, framed drawings, photographs, toys, baby linen, worked slippers, smoking caps, dolls, bead and wax baskets, aud an endless variety of fancy goods, A refreshment stall was well supplied by the friends with substantial viauds, &c, which was liberally patrodised by the visitors. On Wednesday evening a promenade Concert was given in the room in aid of the funds by the members of the Philharmonic Society. Too much praise cannot be given to the Committee, especially the ladies who have bestowed so much labor aud care on the undertaking, which is the first of the kind ever held in Blenheim. The proceeds were as follows : — Monday, £87 ; Tuesday, £24 ; Wednesday, £29. A clearing out sale of goods left unsold at the Bazaar is to commence this morning at 10 o'clock, and be continued during the day. — Marlborough Express, Nov. 6.