CATHOLIC FANCY FAIR.

Opunake Times, Volume IV, Issue 181, 27 March 1896, Page 2

CATHOLIC FANCY FAIR.

The Fancy Fan-, organised to raise funds for furnishing and otherwise completing the Catholic Church, was duly opened on Tuesday, March 24th, 1890. The idea of holding an “ Old English Fayre ” was put forward by Mrs O’Brien about six months ago, and very soon a committee was got together and all arrangements made for giving effect to the idea, only that the name of it was changed to that of a Fancy Fair, as it would permit of a greater variety in fancy dresses, and could in other respects be much more cosmopolitan. A Ladies’ Committee was set up, of which Mrs O’Brien was elected Secretary, and Mrs Brennan, Treasurer, and the members of it set to work with a will to collect the where-withal to make a start in preparing goods. Sewing bees were organised and regularly held twice a week, at which a large amount of work was done. The weather which had been fine for such a long spell broke on Tuesday morning, and kept very boisterous and wet all day, making the work of preparation much more arduous. Notwithstanding the rain a large assemblage gathered in the hall in the evening for the opening.

Mr F. McGuire, M.H.R,, when everything was in readiness at 8.80, ascended the platform and said he heartily thanked the ladies for the kind invitation they had extended to him, and .for the honor conferred on him in asking him to be present that evening to open the Fancy Fair. It was very much to be regretted that the weather was so inclement, but it was very evident, judging by the large assemblage, that if it had been fine the hall would not contain the number who would have been in attendance. As the Very Rev Father Mulvihil was absent he would take the opportunity of saying a few words with reference to their worthy pastor. Every one must acknowledge the very earnest and energetic manner in which the Rev Father worked throughout his large parish. From Waverley up to Opunake the number of churches and schools erected since he first took charge ’of the parish are monuments of his zeal and ability. He was sure he only re-echoed the sentiments of all present in hoping that the Very Rev Father might long be spared to them. He must say that when he came into the hall and saw the beautiful display of useful and ornamental articles there arrayed, he was quite astonished, and he hoped the gentlemen would not be backward in coming forward and patronising the stalls and so make the fair a success, as it was for such a worthy object. They must all admit that the ladies were the life's blood of the Christian Churches, and he felt quite sure if it were not for them there would not be three churches in Opunake to-day. He would not take up more of their time as they were anxious to get to business. Ho would be pleased to think his attendance would be of any benefit, and he should be most happy at any time to act in a similar capacity for any worthy object no matter what denomination might require his services. He would now declare this Fancy Fair duly opened and hoped it would bo crowned with success financially. (Applause.) The hall had been beautifully decorated with nikaus and other greenery which was procured by Messrs J. M. Hickey, De Castro, and Fennell ; there was also a good display of flags and Chinese lanterns, which were tastefully hung by Mr Des Forges. The stalls, which were erected by Mr O’Brien, were arranged on each side of the hall in rows of five, and were all divided from each other to represent so many shops. The shops on the left were in charge of Mrs O’Brien and the other side in charge of Mrs Brennan. The names of the shops were painted by Messrs McDonald aud Russell, and fixed up over each. These artists also painted some flags of all nations, which were hung at various vantage points, the designs being quite unique. Most of the assistants appeared in fancy costume* which lent a great charm and animation to the scene. Ou entering the hall the first shop on the left, Ye Boots, was in charge of Mrs M. Hickey (Masherette) and Miss Goldie (Scotch Lassie), and in it was a fine display of toys of all descriptions, fancy goods, dolls dressed and undressed, and all other articles which delight the juveniles. The next shop, Ye Gnu Chelsea Bunhouse, under the superintendence of Mrs Clarke (Champagne), was loaded with buns and liquids of a non-intoxicating nature, which were in great demand throughout the evening. Then came Ye Silver Key, under the personal supervision of Mrs O’Brien (Buttercup). This shop was filled with useful and ornamental articles of furniture, There was a very handsome three-leaved table with beaded drape of green and gold plush worked by Mrs J. Stewart; chair upholstered in green and gold beaded plush worked by Mrs O’Brien ; an umbrella stand, being au earthermvare pipe prepared with chocolate enamel paint, surmounted with gilt border, and a bunch of lilies beautifully painted in oils by Mrs J. Oumraius ; also a panel having a bunch of lilies beautifully hand-painted by Miss Goldie ; in addition to these there were numerous other necessary articles, including handsome dinner service, Japanese ware, mirrors, photo stands, &o. A very novel line was a comfortable armchair, made solely out of supplejack and presented by Mr Limbrick. The next shop, Ye Cross Keys, was also in charge of Mrs O’Brien, and had a very fine display of fancy

glassware, vases, flower pots, &c. Then came Ye Golden Fleece, in charge of Mrs Edmunds and Miss Taylor, and was well stocked with ladie’s and children’s wearing apparel. Crossing over the hall we come to the line or shops under the supervision of M Brennan, the first one, Ye Gauntlette, being in charge of Mrs Twomey (Normandy Peasant) and was fully stocked with steam engines, railway trains, musical instruments, dolls, kaleidoscopes, and a large quantity of other toys and fancy goods. Next door was

Ye Bishopes Mitre, in which was a large and choice stock of glass jugs, vases, flower stands, flower pots, fancy chinaware, mantle and bracket ornaments, &c. The next shop, Ye Golden Cross,

was, together with Ye Bishopes Mitre, under the personal supervision of Mrs Brennan and Mrs Fowler. In this shop was a very handsome silver tea and coffee service, which was the centre of attraction ; a very handsome three-leaf table with brown and pink plush very nicely worked in arasene by Miss Haugbey; fancy chair upholstered in crimson plush by Mrs O’Brien; umbrella stand in French grey enamel paint, with gilt band and a beautiful spray of wild roses painted in oil by Mrs J. Cummins; handpainted panel of azalias by Miss Goldie; handsome cardinal plush cushion by Mrs M. Hickey ; very handsome dinner service, drapes, &c. Adjoining this shop was Ye Chalice, which was in charge of Mesdames Murphy and Eanby, and had its fixtures well loaded with various articles of ladies’ and children’s wearing apparel of all descriptions. Then came the premises of

Ye Golden Apple, in charge of Mrs Sheerin (Milkmaid). This shop was loaded with all kinds of toothsome edibles, such as roast fowls, roast ducks, boiled tongues, sliced ham, pound cakes, plum puddings, &c. There was a fine display of dressed dolls, a large one, dressed by Mrs J. Cummins, being a very striking figure ; a number were dressed by Miss Guy in fancy costumes, and looked very pleasing ; Mrs Brennan’s twins were also the recipients of a fair amount of attention. Daring the evening the assistants for the various shops were busy through the hall with lists, bringing the leading wares under the notice of those gentlemen who were too bashful to go and look for themselves, and succeeded in extracting shillings from them in a marvellous manner. As a caution to the unwary we publish their names : Mrs Christie (Gaines), the Misses M. Brennan (Maid in Garden), F. Brennan (Scotch Lassie), Coffey (Opunake Times), Peaver (France), E. Feaver (Welsh), Guy, (Shamrock), Hickey (Star and Stripes), Haughey (Granny) Lynham (Waterlily), Newsham, (Gypsey), Treweek (Romp), R. Higgins (Arcadian Shepherdess). Ye Refreshment House, Across the top of the hall was the refreshment stall, which was in charge of Mesdames Flynn, Higgins, Knowles, Des Forges and the Misses Tuohy, Higgins and McPhee. The table was very artistically set, all the necessary ware being supplied by Mrs Knowles, and it was heavily weighted with'a plethora of good things sufficient to create au appetite in any one. In the centre was a fourdecked bride’s cake, beautifully iced and surmounted by a handsome bouquet of orange blossom and other emblematical flowers. All the assistants at this stall were kept very busy throughout the evening. May Pole Dance. A very attractive feature was the may pole dance. Tne children were divided into senior and junior division consisting of twelve each. Miss Ada Twomey was May Queen, and looked quite Royal. In the senior division the following took part; Misses E. Brennan, 0. Brennan, F. Carter, M. Des Forges, G. Higgins, 0. Harrison, N. Hickey, L, McSweeney, E. McLeod, H. Prosser, S. Prosser and M. Seccombe. In the junior division there were :—Misses M. Ashdown, J. Callender, N. Flynn, J. Knowles, 0. Pepperill, E.- Seccomb'e; Masters, R. Brennan, A. Brennan, C. Feaver, H. Higgins, L. Harrison, E. Pepperill. The may pole was erected in the centre of the hall, thus giving much more room and freedom to the little ones in their gyrations. All the girls and boys were dressed in fancy costumes and looked extremely picturesque wheu performing their evolutions. Their dancing was very good, showing the great pains which must have been taken by Miss Tait in preparing them. Ye Beadle. Mr Ranby undertook the duties of beadle and put a deal of energy into his work. The good and useful old time stocks were in evidence in a conspicuous place on the stage, and during the evening quite a number were incarcerated and had to pay the line before being released. The Opunake String Band, under the conducfcorship of Mr J. Cummins, was in attendance and helped to enliven the proceedings by contributing a select programme during the evening. The weather continued very wet and boisterous on both Wednesday aud Thursday evenings, but notwithstanding this there was a good audience each evening and good business done. On Thursday evening there were two tableaux given under the direction and supervision of Miss Haughey. Mr J. Feaver kindly worked the colored lights which showed up

each scene to great advantage. The first one was descriptive of the old favorite song “ The Gypsy’s Warning.” There was a gypsy encampment set out on the stage with the fortune teller as therein recited. Those taking part in this tableau were Mrs Twomey, Misses Coffey, Newshain, R. Higgins, O. Brennan, J. Callender, Messrs W. McLeod, Christie, Buckle and Master Cummins. The next one consisted of three scenes descriptive of “ Auld Robin Gray,” in which Miss Haughey and Miss Goldie and Messrs H. Ranby, Des Forges, and J. Cummins took part. Miss Tait rendered the songs in each case very feelingly. The Fair will continue open to-day aud to-morrow and will also be continued on Monday evening, on each of which evenings special attractions will be provided.