ROMAN CATHOLIC BAZAAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6271, 22 December 1881, Page 5

ROMAN CATHOLIC BAZAAR.

I A baza AP. in aid of the building fund of the new Church of St. Benedict, at Newton, was formally opened yesterday afternoon by the Very Rev. Father Fynes, Vicar Capitular of the diocese, in the upper rooms of Mr. Rattray's new wharehouse, Queen-street. There were present at the opening ceremony the following clergy : —Fathers Walter McDonald, O'Sullivan, O'Gara, Fox, Breiken, and Paul. Father Fynes, in his address, said that the Benedictine Fathers were doing a good work in Newton, and he hoped that the people would aid their efforts by their co-operation and liberality on this occasion. In order that there might be no violation of the law, they had applied to, and received permission from the authorities at Wellington, to hold art unions, raffles, &e. To his mind, the Government had no occasion to interfere in such matters. So Ion" as the object was good and praiseworthy, and the people were agreeable, there was no cause of complaint. Those who patronised bazaai-3 knew that these affairs were, so to speak, pious swindles (laughter), but they had got to give their money, and they might as well give it one way as another. His advice to the ladies and gentlemen engaged in the good work of carrying on the bazaar, and especially the former, was, while talking softly to the victims, to attend strictly to business, and extract the money by the easiest and gentlest process possible. (Laughter.) He had great pleasure in declaring the bazaar formally opened. (Applause).

For some months past the ladies of the various Catholic congregations of Auckland have been busy making every variety of fancy work and other articles for the present bazaar, and the result yesterday, as manifested by the display at the several stalls, is creditable to their patient industry, skill, and taste. The stalls were nicely decorated with flowers and ferns, which gave them a picturesque appearance. No. 1 stall was presided over by Mcsdames Brophy, Larkins, Lanigan, M. Lynch, and Mahon. Among the articles specially worthy of notice, was a chair in crewel work and S'psy table and drapery to match, by Miss Ellie Maher and Miss Lynch ; chair in woolwork, ornamental cushion, and wax flowers in shade, by Mrs. Larkins ; wax flowers in shade, by Mioo Taylor j tricot and crewel embroidered mat, by Miss a. O'Neill 5 picture, in woolwork, "Little Red Ridinghood, " by Miss M. Maher, aged S years ; an ottoman, by Miss Wright. There were also at this stall a handsome chair, with Chinese design on yellow satin, fender stools, a Yiriety of articles in crewel work, smoking caps, dolls, and children's clothing of a useful character.

No. 2 stall was presided over by Mesdames O'Sullivan, O'Brien, and Misses O'Sullivan, Stevens, Lorrigan, Litndon, and Field. There is here to be seen, and worthy of special mention, a painted screen, by Miss Outhwaite, having upon it vignettes of some of the finest bits ef scenery in the North and Middle Islands of New Zealand. A chair in chenille work on plush, by Miss O'Sullivan ; cushion to match, by Miss O'Brien ; woolwork rocking-chair, by Miss Lorrigan, with cushion to match,, by Miss O'Brien ; a clergyman's alb and' stole, richly embroidered. There are also some choice pictures, painted screens, dolls, and children's clothing, &c. No. 2 (Ponsonby) stall was presided over by Mesdames Mahoney, Darby, D. Lynch, Dinnin and MacDonnell. There are some choice articles at this stall. Among them, a rocking-chair in woolwork, by Miss Lynch ; piano-chair, plush velvet cushion, with satin centre device, by Miss S. Lynch; cushions in crewel work, woolwork tablecover, by the Misses Lynch, banner-screen apd wax flowers in shade, by Miss Grey; wax flowers in shade, by Miss Darby ; a view of the now Church of St. Benedict's, Newton, and some water colour sketches, by Mr. T. Mahoney. At this stall arc also a number of knicknacks, cosies, embroidered slippers, some excellent specimens of leather work, and a quantity of children's clothing. No, 4 stall was presided over by Mesdames Dignau, Boylati, J. B. Graham, and Misses Tole, Slieehau, and Boylau. Among the choice articles on this stall we noticed a silk embroidered chair, by Miss Tole; silk embroidered mantel drape, by Miss Boylan; group of wax fruit, by Miss Powell; mantel drape, appliqucS work, by Miss Dignan ; corals and shells (arranged in shade), by Miss Stodart; leatlierwork brackets, by Miss Loncrgan; two cushions in outline work, by Misses Donovan and ICirby; sofa rug in tricot work, by Miss Tole. There are also at this stall some fine specimens of crewel work, lace work, cosies, smoking caps, toys, and children's clothing in variety.

The flower stall was presided over by Mrs. F. H. Lewisson, assisted by the Misses Nelson, Pearce, and Fernandez. At this stall there was a choice array of floivers, both done lip in bouquets, and in vases and pots. Alio ingeniously constructed wreaths and chaplets of flowers. Prominent as a centrepiece is a very handsome silver cross, presented by Mr. Lewisson, and which will be disposed of on the art union principlw. On the face, neatly engraved, is the device "I.H.S. " and 011 the obverse "In Memoriam." The ladies in connection with this stall have also a Christmas tree, which instead of fruit is laden with toys and various articles of fancy goods. The refreshment stall is presided over by Mcsdames Ilaslem, O'Dowd, Mclntyre, Connolly, and Misses Mclntyre and Connolly, and is amply provided with various kinds of refreshments. A prominent feature of the stall is a handsome bride's cake presented Mr. Mclntyre, and probably matters will be satisfactorily arranged by some amatory couple during the progress of the bazaar, in order to utilise the gift. Mr. Boyd, of Newton, has also presented some ornamental flower pots in which are placed some choice plants and shrubs, the gift of Mr. Mason, of Ponsonby.

There was a very good attendance during the day and evening, notwithstanding tiie inclemency of the weather, and tho business done was very satisfactory. The Ilobson Hand, during the evening, performed some choice selections of music, which addedgreatly to the pleasure of the guests. The bazaar will rc-opeu to-day at 10 a.m., and will close at 10 p.m. It will be opeu during the remainder of this week and part of the next. Mr. 0. Mahon, secretary to the committee, lias been indefatigable in his exertions to carry out all the details of the affair to a successful issue, and the result must amply reward him for the time and labour he has devoted to the good work.

Sterling silver jewellery and really reliable clectro-plato, aro most acceptable presents at this season of the year. Messrs. Charles Kelsey & Co. have just unpacked a most choice assortment of the former, in bracelets, sets, lockets, necklets, brooches, albcrts, «5:c., all in the very latest and newest styles— anil, of the latter, in Round & Sons very best Sheffield goods. The above, together with their well known stock of every kind of fancy goods, will bo a considerable attraction during the next few weeks, at their premises, two doors below Messrs. T. & S. Morrins, ironmongers. "Shipped in good order by J. and R. Morley, London, on board the good ship Coromandel, 4 cases Merchandise, tobc delivered unto J. M. IIcLACHLAN, importer, 222, Queen-street, or to his assigns, in like good order. In witness whereof the master has signed 3 kills of lading. Dated in London, 31st August, ISSL (Signed) W. Hendry." These goods will bo opened for the Clirrstmas holidays, and Consist of ladies' summer hosiery, 6d to 63 ; India gauze flannel, 2a lid: silk umbrellas, Gs lid to 255; black silk velvet, 4s <jd to 12s Cd ; new linen collars and new scarfs for gentlemen; also, a job line of summer dresses at worth Is 6d ; and 1200 yards at Is, original price 2s Cd. This last line is of very superior quality. Send for patterns.