THE PRESBYTERIAN JUBILEE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXXII, Issue 141, 23 June 1898, Page 2

THE PRESBYTERIAN JUBILEE.

THE "SCOTCH MARKET." "What is a 'Scotch Market' 7" is a question that many of our readers have doubtless been asking themselves and one another since the announcement of tba programme of the celebrations of the Jubilee ofjthe Presbyterian Church. The query ia one of those that oan be best answered by ocular demonstration, and in following the wholesome advice to "go and see " the inquisitive ones adopted the most effflctivo method of satisfying their curiosity. That there were matiy who had eishcr a curiosity to relieve, or a prior acquaintance with " Scotch Markets " sufficiently pleasurable to merit .renewal, was abundantly evident from the large attendance ai the " Market" held by the Pre-byterians in the Provincial Hall yesterday afternoon and eveniug._ "A; big success" must have been the unanimous verdict of those present. At the time of opening in the afternoon the Hall was well filled, but in the evening the capacity of the building wbs taxed to its utmost. The less active of the patrons experienced considerable difficulty in moving about, so great \yas the orowd; but whttst this was inconvenient to them it favoured the trade of the fair "traveltora" for the various departments of the "Market." Whilst the latter apparently had no di%ulty in transporting their alight and graceful forms up and down and across the room— here, there, and everywhere, in lack— those, whom they 80 assiduously waylaid and bargained with for the Bale of their wareb found themselves helpless prisoners, for they were so hemmed in by the crush that it was impossible to take refuge in their accustomed flight. Unconditional surrender— for no quarter was given— was inevitable, and the " travellers " must certainly be congratulated on the vigour and [success with which they carried out the part allotted to them. Those in charge of the various stalls (the full list of names was published in last evening's " Mail ") were equally busy throughout the afternoon and evening. A " roaring trade " appeared to be going on on every hand, and certainly none of the " market women," several of whom have had to replenish their stock to-day, had causa to complain X)f the " dullness of the times.' 1 The produce stall, ia charge oE Mesdames Caldere, Creswell, and Short, was a centre of attraction for it was here that in addition to the ordinary edibles, the real Scotch " haggie " was dis^ played, together with i3urns' poetical testimonial to its many virtues. The Misses Eeeves did a good business in cakes under "deole umbrella," whilst at " Thrum's Eating Houbb " next door, the diversified wants t of the inner man received every attention. The ladies in charge here were Mesdames MaoKenzie, Selby, P. Bond, E. Bird, and Miisses Ewart, Fleming and Salmond. The " liquor traffic " was represented at the next stall, where under the sign of the 11 Green Bush Inn," Mrs W.Chisholm and the Misses Chisholm, Cooksey, Milner and Stewart, vended cordials and other light liquid refreshments. Those preferring tea and coffee had merely to step into the jury room where Mrs Littlojohn and an ofiicieut staff of assistants were ready to welcome them. Mrs G. Hogg and the Misses Gilberrson, Brown (2), and Ciosbie (2), entered into the fruit and flower business with praiseworthy zeal, their dainty button-boles being in great demand. Ice creams —hardly seasonable, one would think— formed the stock-in-trade of Mr 0. Hamilton, who at frequent intervals, proclaimed the price a glass in stentorian tones. The confectionery and curio stall, presided over by Mesdamea Hamilton and Lyell, was a scarce of attraction, for here many interesting curios made by the South Sea Islanders, North American Indians, etc, were on view. At the fancy goods stall many good bargains were offered by Megdames Taunt, G, Fleming juur., and the Misses Fleming and Simpson. Leaving the ornamental, the useful was found a short distance away, where the woollen stall of Meudamea Oruickshanks and Stewart was located. Mrs R. Allen (" Konaki ") and Mies MaoKenzie were near at hand with toilfifc accessories and fancy goods, and Messrs A. Brown, H, Hey ward and W. Gilbertson devoted their attention to various lines of fretwork articles'. A' well-stocked second-hand book stall, in charge of Mesdames Beacham and f reston, met the wants of those] in search of cheap literature, and a " little of everything " was to be found at Mrs Heffer's " jumble " stall. The artificial chrysanthemum stand, presided over by Mesdames G. Kerr and W. Rout, and located in the south-west corner of the Hall, deBerves a word o£ special mention. The display of paper chrysanthemums is a moßt beautiful one, and the flowers are so artistically finished that it is aot to be wondered at that by many they were at first taken for the natural product. The wholo of the work was done by the two ladies named, and it is no flattery to say that their industry as well as their skill does them great orndit. A large Christmas Tree, laden with the usual burden of good things, was provided by the scholars of the Sunday school. The drawing occasioned considerable excitement, the bride falling to Vincent Trask. Mr Martin's orchestra was in attendance and supplied the music After declaring the " Market " open in the afternoon, the Mayor gave an invitation to eight of the lady attendants to step forward and participate in a donation. Needless to say, the offer was thankfully accepted. The " Market " will re-open at seven o'clock this evening, when the charge for admission will be reduced to sixpence. Arrangements are being made for a fresh Bupplyof " haggis," which will be obtainable at eight o'clock. The takings last night amounted to upwards of £90. As the weather is wet the management, with commendable thoughtfulness, have provided a cloak room for visitors to the "Market" this eveuiuj?, a convenience which will be greatly appreciated.