SISTERS OF MERCY BAZAAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 9012, 18 October 1892, Page 6

SISTERS OF MERCY BAZAAR.

A bazaar in aid of the Sisters of Mercy and the institutions conducted by them, was opened yesterday afternoon in the Agricultural Hall, next the City Market, and a very pretty aspect the building presented when it was lighted up last evening, for great care and good taste had been displayed, not only in the decoration of the hall itself, but chiefly in the elaboration shown in the fixing up of the various stalls. The sides of the hall are festooned with red and white drapery, with fern fronds interspersed, and the pillars are clothed with nikau fronds. Lines of flags are susponded diagonally from corner to corner of the building, and banners and bannerettes decorate the walls. The work of fixing the stalls and decorations occupied a corps of willing workers until late in the afternoon. The first feature to strike the visitor on entering is the flower stall," an octagonal structure, in the form of a summer house, roofed with nikau, and with shelving arranged for the display of pot plants, flowers, &c. Internally it was lighted up with Chinese lanterns, and cages of canaries were hung around, giving a lively appearance to the fixture. This is in charge of Misses Zada Rane, Hackett, Darby, and 0. Darby. The next stall on the left is a very handsome one devoted to pictures, books, engravings, etc., a prominent feature being very handsome oratories attractively framed. Many of the books are of considerable value and rarity. The ladies presiding at this stall are Misses K. Slieehan, llarkins, Cough, O'Brien, and Carrigan. The next stall, the city stall, is a fancy bazaar, and presents a very pretty view on account of the tasteful manner in which dolls, fancy work, cushions, vases, artificial fruit baskets, etc., are displayed. Mesdamos Dignan, Leonard, McCabe and Miss Hobbs are in charge. Perhaps the most noticeable feature of the whole show is the refreshment stall which extends across the north end of the building. It is most attractively set off, and the display is tempting with its elaborate bride and other cakeß, scones, fruit, confectionery, and various drinks. The ladies presiding, Mesdames Lewisson, O'Brien, Misses Youne and Bolus, will we are. sure have a busy time while the bazaar remains open. On the east side is situated the Ponaonby stall, a fancy stall, presided over by the Children of Mary assisted by Misses .Staunton, Dyson, and Moore. It is well furnished, and the goods are effectively displayed. A considerable quantity of the work in this stall has been contributed by the Sisters of Mercy, other ladies also giving liberally of their own handiwork. Some features are a beautiful piano drape in plush, with raised flowers, presented by Miss Staunton ; an elaborate cushion and panel, presented by Miss Lynch ; tea cosies, by Miss Hackett; and cushions and drapery, by Miss Brophy. There was a large gathering at eight o'clock, when the formal opening of the bazaar took place, the Very Rev. Father Paul, V.G., presiding. There were also present the Revs. Fathers Hackett, Lonihan, and Egan. Father Paul, in his address, said that many of them may remember the labours of the Sisters of Mercy, and the good they had done and were doing, not only in the city but outside it, and it was right therefore that they should assist them in the great work they had undertaken, and to strengthen their hands. This was one means of doing so in which all might assist, and he had great pleasure in now declaring the bazaar open for business. Shortly ""after eight o'clock the Very Rev. Monsignor McDonald arrived with the Howick fife and drum band, and these under Bandmaster Smith were promptly arranged in order, and opened with a selection of Irish airs. A fairy dance was also performed during the evening. The bazaar will bo open daily during the rest of the week from three to ten p.m.