LADIES' BENEVOLENT SOCIETY

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11348, 17 April 1900, Page 6

LADIES' BENEVOLENT SOCIETY

EASTER FAIR. ;• ' ■■■' r- 2 > ADDRESS BY THE GOVERNOR, In lieu of the floral fete which in past years has been organised by the Auckland Ladies Benevolent Society, the ladies this year are holding an Easter Fair as a means of augmenting the fluids of the society. Iho object is such a worthy one that it is sure to meet with hearty support. The fair was opened last night in the presence of a very large attendance of the public, eclat being lent to tho proceedings by the presence of His Excellency the Governor and Lady Ranfurly, who were accompanied by Captain Alexander and the Hon. C. HillTrevor. Tho vice-regal party was received by Canon C. M. Nelson, the Rev. S. A. Goldstein, and Mrs. Nelson, and the ladies' committee, and escorted to seats in front of the stage, wnich was erected on the right hand after entering the door. In welcoming the Governor, Canon Nelson apologised for the absenco of Colonel Haultain, the president of the society, who was unable to be present, ■' His Excellency said he was sure it was hardly necessary for him to say what pleasure it gave him to be present and take some small part in such a good work. Over 30 years ago Lady Gore Brown was largely connected in the commencement of the so-

ciety's work. Since then tho society had gone through many vicissitudes., It had even been rescued from inanition, and been started afresh. The object of the society had been to help those who wero in distress, and it was started, as his hearers were well aware, longe before old ago pensions or Charitable Aid Boards existed. Though old ago pensions and Charitable Aid Boards did a great deal towards alleviating distress, still no one could deny that great distress still existed in the country. The ladies who principally undertook the work of the society made personal visits, and were able to deal out the funds entrusted to them to tho best advantage, in helping those who were suffering. No doubt the patriotic fund had this year militated against the welfare of the society. Not only the patriotic fund, but the ther funds that had been raised by the people not only of New Zealand, but of our British Empire. (Applause) New Zealand had done splendidly. Indeed, he believed that £100,000 had been collected for the purpose he had indicated. At tho same time, while they were donating so handsomely to tho war funds, they must not forget' that there were people at home who must be looked after. In declaring the fete open, he was most anxious to impress upon his hearers that everyone should do his best for those at home, rto matter what he might have done for those in South Africa or for their relatives. (Applause.) In declaring the fair open he would urge them to make it the financial success that would benefit and help thoso suffering in distress. (Applause). The various stalls are placed round the sides of the hall, each one being decorated with nikan palms and other greenery, with good effect. Mrs. Dawes and Mrs. Sim are , in charge of tho oyster stall, and next door stands the Easter Egg (the familiar fish-pond brought up to date) which is looked after by Mcsdames Colbeck and Edgecumhe, assisted by the Misses Fen ton. In the gipsy tent, Miss Bacon dispenses accurate and reliable fortunes for a small fee. Refreshments and sweets may bo obtained ad lib. Miss Moore- and a number of misses from the Ladies' College, Rcmuera, preside over a tempting display of Persian toffy and other toothsome morsels, while the refreshment stall is looked after by Mrs. McKean, who has the assistance of the Misses Becdel (4), Jessie Cooper, and Crawford. At tho end of the hall stands the candy stall, the presiding young ladies being the Misses 0. Smith, V., Banks, R. Goodall, F. Eastwood, and M. Dacre; and next to it the jumble stall, with Mesdames Bedford, Alexander, Moss Davis, and Benjamin in charge. A programme of tableaux and musical items was gone through during the even--ing. The most attractive item was the ladies' khaki drill, in which about 40 young ladies, pupils of Professor Carrollo, who were garbed in smart khaki uniforms and slouch hats, and carried carbines, with fixed bayonets, went through a series of evolutions in a manner which called forth rounds of applause. The precision and accuracy of the movements, which were carried out under the personal supervision of the professor, were splendid. After the first part of the drill, the "troops" formed a semicircle on the stage, while Miss Maud Howard, in officer's uniform, and holding Hie flag that has braved a thousand years, sang that stirring popular song, "Soldiers of the Queen," the young ladies joining in .the chorus. The drill reflected the greatest credit upon Professor Carrollo, who has taken a deal of trouble with the preparation, and on the pupils as well. This item will be repeated each evening at nine p.m. Other tableaux, admirably staged, were " Britannia and Her Colonies," designed by Mr. Kenneth Wat-kins (solo, "Rule Britannia," by Mr. Tonar): " Hunt Club Wedding of 60 Years Ago." designed by Sirs. Browning; "United We Stand," designed by Mrs. Browning; and "Herald, Star, and Observer." Miss Mcllhone's pupils repeated their popular Japanese maze; songs were given by Mrs. 0. J. 'Phillips, Mr. Archdale Tayle'r (Mr. Fred. Baume's "The Motherland Shall Never Die"), and Mr. Ernest Schatz, and Master Phelan recited Kipling's "Bobs." Mr. Hunter's orchestra discoursed popular music, and the accompanists were Mrs. Archdale Tayler, Misses Nelson, and Holland. The scenery was kindly lent by Mr. J. McConna'chic, manager of the Opera House and City Hall, who also rendered much assistance as stage manager. Mr. 0. E. Mackio manipulated the limelight, which added to the effectiveness of the tableaux.

Tho details were carried out by the I ndies' Committee Mesdames Nelson, Goodall, and McKean—and judging from the largo crowd which assembled last evening, their complete arrangements will be rewarded with the financial success the society deserves. The fair will remain open for two more nights.