THE EASTER CARNIVAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10421, 20 April 1897, Page 6

THE EASTER CARNIVAL.

The promoters of the Easter Carnival, which opened last night at tho Drill Hall, have reason to congratulate themselves on the undoubted success which has attended their labours. The arrangements are perfect, the stalls are numerous, and in every way attractive. The ladies who preside evidently require little coaching in carrying out what is a rather laborious task, and, what is more gratifying still, the public evidently appreciate the efforts of those who are working energetically for a commendable object, viz., procuring the wherewithal to build a cottage for the uso of the lady missionaries who have devoted their attention to the mission of the streets and lanes. The mission being unsectarian in every sense of the word, appeals for support from all denominations and all classes, and if last night's attendance be any criterion, the appeal has not been made in vain. After a musical programme had been gone through by the Garrison Band, under Conductor Hunter, Mr. Holland, M.H.R., opened the bazaar. In doing so, he referred to the unavoidable absence of the Mayor, who was unable to attend through indisposition. Those present were doubtless aware of the object of the carnival, which was in every was deserving the public patronage. Four lady missionaries had been ever willing to render whatever assistance they could to the sick and dying, and though they had experienced many trials, and had boen forced to labour'under many disadvantages they had bravely combated them all and had done good work in the direction indicated. He trusted that the public would remember the object of the carnival and patronise it accordingly. The question of denomination was not considered at all, and the carnival therefore merited the support of all who had the welfare of the community at heart. Mr. Holland then declared the bazaar open and trusted that good business would be transacted during the time in which it was open. Business was then commenced by the stallholders and many others engaged. As we have said, the interior of the hall cannot fail to please the most fastidious. The decorations are in every way praiseworthy, and the stalls are so arranged that ample room is left for the circumnavigation of tho hall in comfort. The fairy grottoes to the right of the entrance, and which are attractive-looking retreats, aro respectively presided over by Mrs. Piatt and Miss Husband, and these ladies forecast the future in a manner worthy of more experienced exponents of the mystic art." The phonograph, which comes next, is in the hands of Mr. H. A. Noilson, the latest musical novelties being reproduced. General stall No. 1 is presided over by Mrs. Reed, assisted by Misses Sharp and C. Motrin. The"Ponsonby ladies and children's clothing stall" is in capable hands, Mesdames Masefield and Dr. Bedford, assisted by several young ladies, leaving no stone unturned to attract purchasers. Miss Austin presides over the fairy post, and distributes her rather costly letters in a business-like manner. The jumble stall, from the misterious sources of which come articles of every description, is looked after by Mrs. McLaehlan and Misses Murray and Honderson, and .Mr. " Oppenheimer" makes an admirable Punch and Judy showman. The country produce stall is well worthy of inspection, and Mesdames Herrold, Morrin, and Cotter, and Misses Barley, Herrold, Hay, Clayton, and McLachlan, lose no opportunity of bringing their wares before the public. Mesdames W. R. Bloomfield, F. Hull, and Carr, and Miss Colbeck, are in attendance at the cake stall, containing innumerable dainties; Misses Westwood (2), Black, and Howin, officiate at the fish pond ; MissesTye (2), Percival, and Haliday, ac the attractive flower dell; Mesdames Pritt, R. Dargaville, and Ching, at the doll stall; Mrs. Davies, Misses Brett, Porter, and Reeve, at the bonbon kiosk; Mesdames Moore-Jones Kenney, and Watson at a general stall; Mesdames Salmon and Goodhue at the " Parnell General Store;" Misses Witchall and Salmon at the parcel store, and Misses Plumley, ltenderdine, and Hughes at a stall containing miscellaneous articles. In the refreshment stall and oyster kiosk, containing all the table delicacies of the season, Mrs. Goodall and Miss Doonin are in attendance; another attractive flower stall is presided over by Mesdames Ormiston, Smith, Ashton, and Watson; tho smoking parlour, which is somewhat of an innovation in connection with bazaars, is under the capable management of Mrs. Davies and Misses Eastwood (2), liiely, Alexander, and Murray; and the press agency has for its editress Miss E. Bullen. The Chinese and Japanese pagoda, which stands in the centre of the hall, and is a special feature of the carnival, is in charge of Mesdames J. Russell (the promoter), Weir, A. Clark, K. Browninir, 0. BloomHeld, and Misses Russell (2), Deveraux, Waro, and Griffiths. To mention the many other attractions, and tho numerous ladies who each "do their little well" would occupy more space than we have at our disposal, sufficient to say that the carnival bids fair to prove a phenomenal success, a result for which tho ladies and Mr. P. I >ix (who manages the whole affair) deserve every crctiit. The carnival will open again this evening when the special attractions will include selections by the Auckland Mandolin and Guitar Club, tableaux vivants, and presentation of ladies whaleboat race prizes.