ST. BENEDICT'S CHURCH FANCY FAIR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7567, 20 February 1886, Page 5

ST. BENEDICT'S CHURCH FANCY FAIR.

The downpour of rain yesterday caused rather a flutter in the dovecots of the ladies principally interested in the St. Benedict's Church Fancy Fair, now being held at the Drill-shed. In fact, so strong was the feeling that it would be impossible to proceed that announcement was made that the procession and tableaux would be postponed. Indeed it was expected that the whole affair would be closed for the day, but Auckland weather, true to Its changeable nature, took up in the afternoon. A splendid evening followed the rainy torrents of the day, and, to the surprise of all, there was a crowded attendance at the fair in the evening. It is not necessary to recapitulate the attractions offered. They may be described as charming, bewitching, or tempting, or they may be classed in another calendar, for it is quite certain that a man may enter with a heavy purse and a light heart, but he will not carry both out, if indeed he carries either. As already stated, the weather interfered materially with yesterday's arrangements. The procession and the tableaux were postponed, but the audience was treated to a number of unannounced sensations.

Shortly after eight o'clock, His Worship the Mayor (Mr. W. R. Waddel) announced from the stage that, on account of the weather the procession had to be postponed that evening, but that on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, weather or no weather, the procession would take place. His .Worship then proceeded to distribute the prizes to the victors at the recent contest of the Auckland Amateur Athletic Club, and the Waitemata Bicycle Club sports held on the 23rd January. The prizes were displayed on the stage, and were certainly very handsome. The Bicycle Club's prizes were not only attractive but costly, and there is a manifest intention to revive the interest in this noble form of athletic sport. In making the presentations, His Worship made a few kind and encouraging remarks to each recipient. The prize-winners were :— Maiden Race, 100 yds : Ist prize, J. Braund ; 2nd, G. Smart. 120 yds Handicap: Ist prize, H. H. Davy; 2nd, J. Braund ; 3rd, A. Stevenson. 220 yds Handicap : Ist prize, J. Braund ; 2nd, H. H. Davy ; 3rd, J. R. Reid. 1000 yds Handicap : Ist prize, G. Smart; 2nd, H. Kinder; 3rd, J. Kinder. 200 yds Hurdles : Ist prize, H. Batger; 2nd, — Owen; 3rd, A. Stewart. Two-mile Walking Race: Ist prize, D. Stewart; 2nd, — Burton ; 3rd, — Murray. Quartermile Handicap : Ist prize, J. R. George ; 2nd, J. R. Reid ; 3rd, Miller, Mile Maiden Bicycle Race : Ist prize, A. Buchanan. Two-mile Bicycle: Ist prize, A. Buchanan; 2nd, E. Ashton. One-mile Bioycla Championship of New Zealand: Ist prize, gold medal, J. A. Stewart; 2nd, silver medal, J. Fitton. Five-mile Bicycle Race: Ist prizi, A. Buchanan; 2nd, R. Jeffries. Consolation Bicycle Race : Ist prize, A. A. Gledhill. After the presentation Mr. J. M. Sibbin proposed a hearty vote of thanks to His Worship the Mayor for presenting the prizes, and His Worship, in responding, said that, considering he had been for three years President, he felt great pleasure in officiating on such an occasion, and he hoped that in future years the sports would continue to progress. His Worship then announced that, in lieu of the tableaux and procession, whioh had been postponed, a concert would take place in the hall, which would be free to all. This concert was subsequently carried through, much to the delight of those assembled in the hall, for it was an unexpeotod and free treat. The attendance under tho circumstances was very satisfactory, and should the weather be favourable to-day there will no doubt be a large attendance.