CENTRAL MISSION FAIR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23001, 2 October 1936, Page 13

CENTRAL MISSION FAIR

IN AID OF DEBT REDUCTION SUCCESSFUL OPENING EFFORT The Central Methodist Mission Fair, which was organised for the purpose of providing funds for the reduction of the debt on the mission property, was opened in the Town Hall Concert Chamber yesterday afternoon. The large number of stalls erected on the ground floor of the hall, and the unusually wide variety of the articles offered for sale, bore eloquent testimony to the zeal and enthusiasm with which the church members had entered into the task of preparing for the effort, and their work was well rewarded during both the afternoon and evening sessions of the fair, when large attendances of the public freely patronised the various stalls and other attractions. OFFICIAL OPENING The Rev. L. B. Neale extended a welcome to the Mayor (the Rev. E. T. Cox) and Mrs Cox, and expressed his personal appreciation of the work carried out by the Executive Committee, and also of the generosity of those who had contributed so freely to make the fair a success. The full extent of the work done and the magnanimity of the response to the appeal for assistance in order that the mission could carry on its philanthropic and social work were not generally known, and he took he opportunity of expressing his sincere thanke to all who had heir' ’ to contribute in any way to the success of the effort. Mr D. C. Cameron outlined the growth of the Central Methodist Mission since its inception 46 years ago, and said that 23 years ago the Rev. Mr Slade had secured for the mission the Octagon Hall, which was entirely free of debt. A few years ago, however, Mr Neale and the mission trustees had bought the property adjoining the Octagon Hall for approximately £25,000. Each year £IOOO had been paid off the new property, on which the mission now owed £IB,OOO, and the present effort was an endeavour to reduce that debt. They would all realise what it would mean to the mission if it had no interest charges to meet, and had all its property free of debt. Mr Cameron then called on Mr Cox to perform the official opening. “I take this opportunity of offering my congratulations to the Cential Mission on the fine work for humanity which has been accomplished by it in the heart of the city,” said Mr Cox. “Let me further offer my thanks to the missioner, the Rev. L. B. Neale, and his staff on the snlendid work carried out by them for the community, irrespective of class or creed. The social work of the mission is a living evidence of vital Christianity. Indeed, the modern age is coming to recognise the Christian religion, not so much as our immediate forefathers did by adherence to beliefs, as by the impact of Christian principles on practical life. Judged by that standard few religious institutions can measure up to this one in whose interests we are met to-day. The voluntary work done for the relief of distress by the mission has reached a stage of great magnitude during the depression and thus has called forth from the workers very self-sacrificing effort The new buildings at Company Bay are planned on a scale that no one with a lesser faith than Muller of Bristol could have achieved. Suffice it to say that this work, employing during the winter 30 men on mil time, and probably a similar number indirectly, has merited the support of the Government and of the City Council, which has contributed £ 1000 towards its cost. Let me add a word of congratulation to the women who have worked so splendidly to make this function such a bright and charming place to-day. I can only hope the citizens will show their appreciation of this work by coming forward in large numbers and giving it the support it deserves. May I say that I hope that Mr Neale will write (the story of his activities in the mission? I am sure that such a record would have worldwide patronage and that the writer would stand out among the religious leaders of to-day as a superman.”— (Applause.)' STALLHOLDERS The stallholders were as follows: —Plain stall, Sister Lena and Mrs Pirnie; apron stall, Sister Lena; fancy stall, Miss M'Gregor; baby stall and sugarbag stall, Sister Hazel; sweet stall—Miss Sanders, Mesdames Cooper, Dotting and Melville; flower stall. Mrs M'Farlane; ice cream stall, Mrs Smallman; jumble and sweet stall, Mrs Grantham; woodwork stall, Mr Lawrence; book stall, Mr Tasker; toy stall, Miss Russell: produce stall, Mrs Neale; jam stall, Mrs Johnson; cake stall, Mrs Oliver; handkerchief stall, Mrs Duncan; tea rooms, Mrs Grant; picture show. Mr Ritchie. The fair will be continued this afternoon and evening