THE DUCHESS AT A BAZAAR

Otago Witness, Issue 2467, 26 June 1901, Page 28

THE DUCHESS AT A BAZAAR

Tjtfter all the work and anxiety of the past saoiiths,' the fete in aid of the Home for Incurable* was opened yesterday afternoon iby the Countess of. Ranfurly. The large lhall looked charming with its grotesque redcabled stalls and the wealth of greenery that iwtsted round pillars, garlanded the walls, smd rose in the shape of stately palms and Jiree ferns from the centre of the room. ?More attractive even than their artistic setting were the many maidens in their dainty (Frocks. One's allegiance wavered between jfche girls in white, or heliotrope, or puritan Igrey, so charming were all the pretty ventiors of various wares in their caps and feclms and coquettishly demur gowns. Their lelders, too, wore stately and sober black, fcpme adding the smartest of head dresses in the shape of black Alsatian bows to their costumes. A very smart crowd was assembled in the hall when the Countess arrived with Mrd Derek ELegpel, Captain 'Alexander, and Lady Constance' and Lady 'Aileen Knox. Lady Ranfurly looked charming in her trailing black frock with sequined bodice, sable furs, and, picturesque wide fcladfc hat with jetted wings. In a, few graceful words she declared the bazaar open. *A liny child in white presented her with a very pretty bouquet, tied with long purple silver-fringed ribbon. Soon loud cheering outside announced the arrival of the royal party, and the string band struck tip '" God ' save the King." It was a pleasant surprise to snany' when it was found that the Duke accompanied the Duchess. Her Royal Highness was dressed in black, with a chiffon lloa, small toque swathed with chiffon, and ecru aigrette. The royal party, with the Governor and Lady Ranfurly, made a tour of the stalls. By this time only the chief of each stall was standing beside it, her ihandmaidens mustered in a group behind. Much interest in. the curios and pretty things was taken by thp visitors. Among the things bought by the Duchess was a. Maori doll, absolutely true to nature in every detail. Its destination will possibly be the royal nursery. The royal visitors had afternoon tea in the pretty tea room, ■where the walls are draped in crimson, and feung with flags and beautiful foliage. Afterwards they left amid loud cheering both ■within and without the building. The tea room or the cafe chantant Is a delightful institution, and will probaßly be much patroaised. There one is served with delicious tea by pretty girls and can listen in the meantime to music, instrumental and rocaU