PATRIOTIC SALES OF WORK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16968, 30 September 1918, Page 5

PATRIOTIC SALES OF WORK.

A sale of work in aid of the fund for providing material for the employment of convalescent soldiers was held at the Hospital Annexe on Saturday afternoon. There was a large attendance, fully 500 people being present. The sale was formally opened by the Mayoress, Mrs. J. H. Gunson, who expressed pleasure at the opportunity of making the surroundings of the soldiers more cheerful, and at the interest manifested in the soldiers' work by the public. The interior of the annexe was decorated with ferns and flags and the display of soldiers' handiwork was excellent. Specimens of basketwork, leatherwork, and pokerwork, together with wellfinished plain and carved article* of furniture, were on sale, and substantial business was done in the various sections. In addition to the articles produced by the inmates of the annexe there were also on view specimens of work by the soldiers at the Devonport and Epsom Convalescent Homes. Music was provided by Mr. R. E. Kenton's orchestra. The takings for the afternoon amounted to over £300. A very successful fete and sale of work, organised by the ladies of the Bayswater sub-branch of the Navy League and the teachers and children of the Belmont school was held at the Belmont school grounds on Saturday afternoon. The attendance was very satisfactory, and good business was done at the various stalls, as the result of which the fund for providing Christmas comforts for mine-sweepers will benefit considerably. The fete wis opened by Mr. A. Harris, M.P., wno spoke on the development and achievements of the British Navy, and referred particularly io the arduous and dangerous work so efficiently carried out by the crews of the mine-sweepers in the North Sea and elsewhere. A number of stalls had been erected in the grounds. The children of tho school had charge of a well-stocked produce stall, and also provided a quantity of cakes and lollies. Other attractions were Scotch and Irish dancing, selections by the Auckland Pipe Band under Pipe-Major McDonald, and basketball games. The game between the Mount Roskill and Belmont schools teams was keenly contested, and was won by the latter team, while an exhibition game between the past and present girls of the Belmont school provided some spectacular play. The net takings vor the day were £75 17s 9d, with another £10 still to come in. A sale of work in aid of the Soldiers' Hostel was held in St. Paul's parish hall on Saturday afternoon and evening. The sale was under the control of Mm. Wainwright, assisted by Mrs. Hegman and several holders. Approximately £20 was made for the hostel. In the evening musical and elocutionary items were given by Mesdames Lyons md Cross, Miss Gaudin.' and Master Sydney Ba~ume. A sale of gifts by the Grey Lynn branch of the Soldiers' Welfare Committee, the proceeds of which will be in aid of the Soldiers' Club building funds, will be held in the Town Hall concert chamber to-day. The sale will be opened by Mr. C. J* Parr. In the evening an address will be given by Mr. John Payne, M.P., and items will be given by the Climbers' Musical Troupe.