THE DOLL SHOW.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 766, 5 November 1886, Page 20

THE DOLL SHOW.

The Doll Show in aid of the Building Fund of the Girls’ Friendly Society was opened in the National Mutual Life Association buildings on Wednesday. The suite of rooms, nine in all, on the first floor of the building, have been kindly placed at tbe disposal of the ladies who are giving the exhibition. About half-past 2, Lady Jervois, accom. panied by Mrs and Miss Jervois, arrived, and were received by the Ven Archdeacon Stock, Rev R. Coffey, Mr L. Stowe, and others. Before opening the Exhibition, Lady Jervois was presented with a handsome bouquet by Miss Rose Hutchens, the youngest member of the Society. Lady Jervois, in opening the Exhibition, briefly remarked that she felt sure it would meet the success it undoubtedly deserved, and prove a great treat t p tbe children of the city. Lady Jervois wasafterward shown over the Exhibition, and expressed herself as greatly pleased with it. The staircase and corridors leading to the rooms are prettily decorated with ferns and flowers placed on stands. In one of the rooms two stoves are placed ; and Mr Thomas, cook at Bellamy’s, Was in attendance to give lessons in all classes of cookery. A lady amateur is also present, to give lessons in French cookery. Lessons in simple, quick, and economical methods of cooking omelettes, frving fish, making pastry, fillet de boeuf, saut6 du beuree, and other savoury dishes, was aunounoed to be given during the hours of 4 and 5 o’clock each afternoon of the week. Meadames Williams, Badfield, and Leckie preside over the first large room which engages the attention of visitors. In this room a large number of dolls, representing characters of all types and ages, some of which are most' gorgeously attired, are on exhibition. There are also several scenes and tableaux, the figures in which are represented by dolls in costume. Among the most notable scenes are a group of Welshwomen, “an ice fair,” “a street in Cairo,” and a drawingroom furnished in a most elaborate manner. Tbe room next to this is presided over by Mesdames Harcourt, Barraud, Stock, and Newman ; and there are three tables in this room literally covered with dolls of all sizes and descriptions, dressed in all manner of pretty costumes. Such characters “as Kate Hardcastle,” “Patience,” “Lady Jane,” and “ Bunthorne,” and a group of Red Maid school girls are represented with close attention to detail. Mention should also be made of a little miniature scene in this room, which represents a hospital ward, correct in every detail. Without exception the most attractive and interesting part of the show is the representation of a tableau, “A presentation at Court,” in which her Majesty the Queen, H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, attired as a Field Marshal, Princess of Wales, and the Lord Chamberlain are represented. The scene represents the Lady Mary Scott, attired in ivory satin, being presented to her Majesty by the Lord Chamberlain. The Queen is dressed in black. All the figures in this group are magnificently dressed. This group was presented by Lady Jervois, and made by Mrs Townsend, of Government House, to whom too much praise cannot be given for the really artistic manner in which she has attired the figures. Mrs S. Palmer has charge of another room, which is also well stocked with dolls aad fancy work. Further entertainment for the young people is provided in the apartment facing the staircase by the erection of a large Christmas tree, richly laden with toys and ornaments of all varieties. In an adjoining room is a fairy well, in charge of a little girl, attired as a gipsy. The refreshment- room is presided over by Mesdames Kemp, Boddam, Curtis, Harris, Misses Greenwood, Mills (3), Marsden (2), Curtis, and Glenny. Altogether the Exhibition must be regarded as an unqualified success in every respect. Too much credit cannot be given the ladies who have i spent so much time in robing the figures. I The display of dolls is marvellous, and it is evident that great patience and taste has been exercised iia preparing them for this Exhibition. One oi the features of the Exhibition, combined with the refreshment department, is comprised in a quantity of elegant confectionery and beautiful cakes in bewildering variety. These were furnished as donations by some of the most noted housewives in town. Amongst the more noticeable of these tempting productions were an extremely handsome wedding cake, with a new departure in the crowning ornament—a lovey little doll dressed as a bride—and a beautiful Twelfth Cake, both by Miss Turley. These are to be raffled, as also is to be a beautiful birthday cake presented by Miss Barnett. Mrs Barraud contributed some much-admired cocoanut cakes, and Mrs Batkin a quantity of dough nuts and real Everton toffy. Mrs Chantrey Harris sent in “ ‘Elise’ cake,” “chocolate cake,” and “Snowdrift,” all novelties. Miss Jennie Wilkie contributed an “ ‘ Asmodeus ’ cake,” a study in brown and yellow. Mrs E. Stafford sent in dishes of cieaira. ; Mrs Thomas, a delicious trifle; Mrs Grant, chocolate creams ; Mrs McDougall, shortbread. The following ladies assisted in taking chargeofstallsinad dition to those already mentioned : —Mesdames Stains, Jellicoe, Grady, Wright, Nancarrow, Gore Gillon, Leslie, Reid, Pynsent, Misses Jervois, Palmer, Williams (2), Hadfield (2), Pynsent, Duncan, Medley, Leckie, Grady (2), Francis, Lockie (2), Congley, Dransfield, Seed, Halse (2), Barraud, Mason. At the time of opening there were 200 persons present, which number was greatly increased during the afternoon. In the evening the Hibernian Band were present, and enlivened the proceedings by playing a number of pieces of music. Some beautiful flowers and. pot piantß are on sale, under the charge of Mrs Gore Gillon. During the afternoon and evening over £23 was taken at the door, while it is estimated that about £4O was taken at the stalls. The Exhibition will continue open during the week, each day from 2.30 till 10 p.m.