BAZAAR AND GIPSY FAIR.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13145, 1 December 1904, Page 8

BAZAAR AND GIPSY FAIR.

A bazaar, sale of work, and gynsy fair, under tlio auspices of St. Martin's Church, was opened iu the North-East Valloy Town Hall last night, when there was a very largo attendance. Tho opening cerom'ony was to have boon performed , by Mrs Novill, but in her unayoirlablc absence owing' to indisposition—an absence greatly regretted by the organisers,—the Most Rev. the Primate declared the proceedings open. He expressed surprise and pleasure at scoing such a largo assemblage of people, young and old, and thought that it augured very well for the financial success of tho undertaking. Ee mentioned ttat it was the intention of the promoters of the haznar to sst apart a pormm of tJie proceeds for the purchase of a site for n vicarage house for the paridh. He need scarcely say that that was ;i verj , comniendablo purpose, and that he -hoped its attainment would he largely festered by this undertaking. Away down in the south-west comer of the diocese —at Kivertou, Otautau, and round about there, which was regarded as the 'backblocks—ho had just coisrcTated tiro churches which were free of ciebt, and when that could Iμ done away there tiicy might oxoeot in tho metropolis of Dwicdin, when tho people decided on providing a vicarage—they iiui!li-t look for tho fulfilment of that object before 'ibng. He- would jivsfc say that they could not regard llitanselvcs as an established parish until they had got not only a church and a clergyman, but also a house for tho clergyman to live- in. He then declared the lazaar open, and expressed tho hope that it would be in every way a dooided success.

On the call of the Kov. G. W. Harding, three cheers were given for the Primate and Mrs Aevill.

Tho various- stalls comprising the. baznar were ksu-fully decorated and arranged, and were replete with a varied assortment of articles calculated to achieve a ready' sale. The stalls were located around the hail, and in themselves gave the placo a very attractive, appearance, and this was enhanced by the bright centimes worn by many of the stall attendants attired as gipsies. In the c&ntre of tho ball a maypole was erected, round which dances were given by children, whilst the place was further set off by -a very handsome and fascinating Cliristmas tree, jn addition to thuM attractions, there were tlie iiiiral side-shows in the shape- of shooting gallery, Aunt Sally, dip, etc., and a clown, nigger, and gipsy pedlar of tinware aoded to the cnlivenment of the pro ceedings. ~T ,,« Church Committee, and especially Jjlr J-. Walker (the church treasurer), were the organisers of tho bazaar, ana they re-cera-ed very valuable assistance- and cooperation from the Ladies' Guild, which provided the work, produce, and refreshment staJs, and St. Martins Club, tho ladies of which contributed the- sweet, flower, and fancy stalls, nml tho young -men, who provided tho side shows. In addition *o what has been already mentioned, numerous competitions were arranged, and proved acceptablo sources of revenue.

Ihe followiug arc tie staH-holders:-Ladies build stall-Mosdames Drake (president), Barnett, and Ciller; refreshment stall —Uestomes Clarke and Neild. Misses Milward, Steele, and Jcrratn.- produce stall— Mcsdamos BagneU am! Walker; fancy stall —Misses Drake, Woodwad, Stevens M Tattersfield, and Hwtli: flower stall—Mioses lattosfic-ld, N. Evans, A. Dudfield. J Stout; i°Hy stall-Mrs K. Tyrrell, Misses 0. Woodwurd, Paubn, M. Dudfield, and ■ Hl «; fiwy well-Misses A. Milward, A. ??? Y -.-8. , . 11 . a "d Davis; Christmas tree, Misses Aeill. '

During last evening musical items were ™ tab « % the choir, St. Martin's children, Miss M. Tattersfiold, the Misses Drake Miss Milward, Miss R. Tattersfield, and Messrs Steele, and Drake. A Spanish dance was given by Miss Hazel Umbers, ana a iuaypolo danco was' effectively performed by a number of children trained, by Mr R. Steele and Miss Drake and Miss A. Alilward.- A very capable orchestra, composed of members of the Drake family, also rendered valuable aid. The bazaar which last night did splendid business, will be open tWs and agam m the evening, when another attractive entertainment will be provided.