ST. PAUL'S FETE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14235, 4 December 1909, Page 5

ST. PAUL'S FETE.

GUN-MOUNTING COMPETITIONS.

There was a record attendance at St. Paul's Fete- in the Government House grounds yesterday afternoon and evening. The numerous attractions, including dances by the children, kept the visitors in good humour for the onslaughts of the stallholders, and excellent business was done. The cash takings daily have averaged over £200, which is, considered most satisfactory. A special attraction last evening was an exhibition of mounting, dismounting, and firing of a six-pounder gun by two teams belonging to the Auckland Garrison Artillery, under the supervision of Colonel Patterson. This company had 146 men on parade, which constitutes a record for the Dominion for any single company. No. 1 team accomplished the mounting in 2m. 35., and dismounting in lm. 255., while No. 2 team only took lm. 20s. to complete the mounting and lm. 225. for the dismounting. The winning team, which consisted of Sergeant-Major C. Hill, Corporal Griffiths, Bombardier Harvey, and Gunners Brownlee. W. Collins, Peebles, and Greenslade, will receive a handsome trophy, presented by Colonel Patterson. They were heartily cheered by all present, and also by the No. 1 team. The College Rifles also gave an, alarm, and went through Maxim gun drill, while the Engineers created great interest, by erecting a high military observatory in 10m. 40s. Among the side shows worthy of special mention is the dolls' house, attached to Mrs. Harle Giles' stall. The house, which is two storeys, and most luxuriously furnished, was lent by Mr. J. A. Hunt, who took four years to build t. One of the features at the fete not previously mentioned is a large design over Mrs. Cashell's stall, bearing the legend, "Bail of Dhia ar an abair," the Irish for "God bless the work and you." This appeared on a board Bft long by Kin wide, covered with swansdown calico, the words being carried out in 7in emerald green letters, shaded with silver foil. 'J'lif fete will bi continued this afternoon and evening.