A WINTER FAIR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20950, 13 August 1931, Page 4

A WINTER FAIR.

ST. MARY'S HOMES. NEED FOR INSTITUTION. In an effort to raise funds to continue the work of the St. Mary's Homes, Otahuhu, which has been made increasingly difficult owing to the absence this year of the Government grant, a fair was arranged by Miss Alice Wilson, organising secretary, and the members of the St. Mary's Homes Association, and held in the Town IT" 1 ! concert chamber yesterday. The Rev. G. C. Cruickshank, a member of the committee of management, introduced the Mayoress, Mrs. G. W. Hutchison, who formally opened the fair. The importance of the work of the homes to the community was stressed by Mr. Cruickshank, who said that like all other institutions of a philanthropic nature the St. Mary's Homes was feeling the effect of the present economic depression. The expenditure last year had exceeded the income, and at the same time the homes were experiencing a much greater claim on their resources. "We try to dispense kindness to those who fail and we have never yet refused admission to any women of any denomination since tho doors were opened 40 years ago," Mr. Cruickshank concluded. Mrs. Hutchison said that at a recent visit to the homes she had gained two strong impressions, firstly, the great need that existed for such an institution, and secondly, tho fine way in which the need was being met. At present there were 92 inmates, and the mothers were given every care and help, and were also taught sewing and other useful crafts. She wished the organisers of the fair e%'ery success and formally declared the function open.

Attractive decorations, comprising masses of green foliage, which Hanked the stalls and were arranged on the stage, lent a bright appearance to the hall, and active business went on throughout the day. Orchestral selections were rendered by Mrs. Roger Fonton's orchestra, and received great appreciation. The stalls were in charge of the following ladies of the various parishes Produce (St. Mary's, Pnrnell), Mrs. CoryWright, Mrs. C. V. Houghton, Mrs. H. Kissling, Mrs. T. Russell and Miss Lindesay; cakes (St. Aidan's, All Saints' and St. Luke's, Mount Albert), Mrs. W. Averill, Mrs. 'Ponsford, Mrs. Ilawkes, Mrs. Weaver and Miss Brown; work stall (Holy Sepulchre, St. Barnabas' and Devonport), Mrs. J. E. Draper, Mrs. Hay, Mrs. Robinson, and Mrs. Hunt; 6d to 5s stall, Mrs. Tutt,, Miss Harrison and Mrs. Lowrie; oddments and books, Mrs. and Miss Henderson; kitchen stall (Query Club), Miss Huia Wiseman and Mrs. G. Eddow; sweets (Girls' Diocesan Association), Miss Dene Plummer and Miss Wilma Frater; country associations (including Onehunga and Mangerc), Mrs. Mac Murray, Mrs. Wigg, Mrs. Straw and Mrs. J. Jones; refreshments, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Cruickshank, Mrs. Grant and Mrs. Stanton.