Japanese Village
St. John's Church finances requiring augmenting it waa suggested that a departure should be made from tht ordinary bazaar and what was termed a Japanese village substituted. The promoters went to work with a wiU and the result of a couple or three months' arduous labour was evident yesterday afternoon when the village was opened intheZealandiaHall. The attendance was comparatively good considering the fact that the hour was inconvenient for the majority of people, and after the National Anthem under the leadership of Mr Gray had been sung, The Yen. Archeacon Stocker formally opened the proceedings. He said, as they were aware, what they had come to see waa tk Japanese village, and it was infinitely more Japanese than the Japanese themselves. It had been planned, designed and constructed under the immediate supervision of Mr Gilbertson, who had given a large amount of time, thought, and trouble to it ; at the same time he had been assisted by various gentlemen, who really had worked all d»y and mosfc of the night at it. How much to thank them was more than he could tell them. The requests for the loan of things had been met most readily and graciously, for which they were all deeply thankful. It seemed impossible a few days ago that they would be able to open in time, but they had worked like Britons and he now invited them all to enjoy themselves, to see what was to be seen and to open wide their pookefca so that their efforts would be rewarded with undoubted success. The ladies and gentlemen then dispersed to admire the beautiea of the hall, to inspect the wares offered for sale at the various stalls •tod in moßt cases to fall willing or unwilling victims to the blandishments of the fair and charmingly attired attendants. These attendants were soon engaged in a manner wtioh bespoke their enthusiastic zeal, and as they flitted about here and there in their charming and brilliant costumeß, the scene wag indeed a picturesque and animated one. A brief glance must now be taken at the various appointments in the hall, but the public are adrited to ascertain the details for themselves by ocular demonstration and personal experience. Immediately on entering the building the visitor is confronted with a large green hedge, and on twniog to the. right the frit thing
to engage the attention is a niche in the hedge where, amidst profuse greenery, is a fishing pond. Here the disciples of Isaak Walton may revel in the good old sport to their heart's delight. If they are successful in capturing a "trout" they are suitably rewarded by a present which may or may not be useful or ornamental. From this pond emissaries are sent forth to hook tb.9 unwary and enfold them in their fascinating toils and "compel them to come in" — to the fish pond, where the sport is again continued. Mrs Vickers is in charge of this pastime. At the rear of the pond is a telephone bureau, from which friends can communicate one with the other on payment of a small charge. Emerging from the irresistible allurements already mentioned and continuing on thejeast side of the hall the first of four Japanese houses is seen ; it contains two stalls — a doll stall, in charge of SMrs Stocker, and the St. John's Guild stall, consisting of wearing apparel and fancy good», with Mrs Wade as purveyor. These Japanese houses are exact imitations of residences in Japan and with 1 tiled roofs, upturned eaves and peculiar mode of bracketing are truly realistic and reflect much credit on Mr Gilbertson for bis faithful and hearty work. On the same side of the building there is an art and curio gallery containing quite a large numberof interesting and beautiful pictures and curios. One curio in particular is specially worthy of note, namely a brooch at one time -worn by one of England s greatest heroes — Lord Nelson. The inscription attached to the trinket Ibate Ibhat it was given to jLord Nelson's Bailing master — Mr Nickless — of the flagship Vanguard at the battle of the Nile on let August, 1798. When the battle was won Nelson thanked his sailing maater for the way in which he had carried the Vanguard into action, and taking the brooch from his cravat gave ifc to him. It is a cameo, carved in relief, with a representation of Nelson's head. It is bow in the possession of Mrs Nickless. Continuing the inspection comes the refreshment stall and if the visitor is of the usual calibre of humanity he will make a shore stay here and partake of the appetising viands provided. The space Bet apart for this department is quite large and comfortable, and at a moderate charge Mrs Searle and Mrs Macleod will graciously supply all that will satisfy the inner man. A large platform is next negotiated, upon which the opening ceremony took place on which at a later period tableaux of a very beautiful character were given. At the rear of the proscenium is a portion partitioned off in which concerts will be given of an afternoon and evening, for which a small charge for admission will be made. The north west corner is for tea-parties, a commodious apartment being set apart for this. Immediately adjoining is a tea kiosk under the supervision of Mrs Gilbertson and Mrs Fowler. Refreshments here are of a light order and the cup which cheers can be appreciably enjoyed and as the prices are low the visitor can indulge himself to repletion and escape not exactly a ruined man. The produce stall is next encountered, Mr W. F. Scandrett supplying swede turnips, bags of wheat, frozen sheep, or anything in the " big line.'" Over the produce stall the various bands take up their positions, and yesterday evening the Garrison Band delighted their auditors with melodious strains. Next in turn is the art stall, containing many beautiful and artistic goods, such as pictures, imitation majolica ware, and the various pretty things required to decorate and ornament homes with. Mrs Frank Scandrett, Misses Thomson, Little, and Chisholra are the purveyors at this int sresting stall. The next temptation to be braved is the flower and " sweetie " stall, and if one escapes from this with any of the gold that glitters in his possession he has the cigarette stall, and, last of all, the gift tree to encounter. Mrs Howorth and Miss McGilvray are in charge of the flower stall, Masters Christophers and Brebner the cigarette stall, and Mrs Whitcombe the gift tree.
The centre of the hall is set apart for Japanese dances, a lot of juveniles giving one of these in costume and they did it well. A tent is considerately erected at the western side for those who indulge in the fragrant weed, where he cau meditate on the many pleasant sights he has seen, the beauties that have enthralled his raptured gaze, and the low condition of his finances after running the gauntlet of so many temptations. This is what ia to be seen in the Zealandia Hall, but to thoroughly realise all the beauties of the scene, and to admire the charming costumes of the fair and captivating youDg ladies a personal visit must be made at whatever coßt.
Whatever the beauties by daylight they were immensely enhanced under gaslight and with the large crowd in attendance the Bcene was an interesting and animating one. The supply of fish in the ponds soon ran out, but a large consignment has been received and will be available to-day. As in the afternoon a programme of instrumental and vocal music was capitally performed in the evening under the able direction of Mr Gray, a number of plantation songs being also given in a capital style. Those who took part in the programme were Mesdames Frank Scandrett, Ross, Misses L. Waymouth, Crofts, Dr Macleod, Messrs C. Gray, E. B. McKay, G. D. Newman, Waymoutb, and Woodward. To sum it all up the Japanese village is unique, interesting and attractive and is well worth a visit. Some alight defects were noticeable but these will be speedily remedied and as the success of the affair gets noised abroad the business transacted should be commensurate. The village will be open this afternoon and evening and an attractive bill of fare has been prepared for the delectation of its patrons.
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Bibliographic details
Southland Times, Issue 13478, 11 June 1896, Page 3
Word Count
1,405Japanese Village Southland Times, Issue 13478, 11 June 1896, Page 3
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