Rangiora Parish Fete.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7198, 5 February 1892, Page 3

Rangiora Parish Fete.

The Eangiora parish fete, which has now become one of the events of the year in connection with St. John the Baptist's Church, was opened in the parsonage grounds yesterday afternoon. Unfortunately the bright weather necessary to contribute to the entire success of such gatherings was not experienced, and in consequence of a little rain falling in the ; early part of the afternoon, and the clouds 1 gathering in a very threatening manner, it ■■ was deemed wise to postpone the at fresco concert, which was to commence at 8 o'clock, until this evening, the performers having to drive from Cbrietchurch. The Rev W. E. Gillam, ably assisted by some of his church officers, had provided a very full and entertaining programme for old and young. Owing to the moist state of the weather, however, I nearly the whole of the proceedings of yesterday afternoon and evening were carried on inside a large tent erected on the lawn in front of the parsonage. Here were to be found a flower show, sale of work, refreshment stall, shooting gallery, &c. The end of the tent set apart for the show was bright with flowering pot plants and out blooms. Mr S. Blackmore, gardener to the Hon H. B. Gresson, exhibited a collection of pot 1 plants, including some rare specimens, and some very fine single and double dahlias. He had also on exhibition a new scarletrunner of a very superior quality. Mr J. Thompson staged a. comprehenaive collection of pot plants, also a stand of particularly fine Indian pinks, and another of Phlox Drummondi. Mrs J. . Thompson showed a tastefully arranged hand bouquet, the only one brought forward. From the garden of Mr H. Stephens came a ve'ry beautiful collection of cut blooms, alao some remarkably fine dahlias and a stand of roses. Pot plants in varietj , were exhibited by Mr L. Hunnibell ; and a stand of cut blooms by Mr T. Robson ; and Mr A. Ogden, the well-known grower ol i fuchsias, sent in a fine specimen of thai , flower, and Mr G. Cone a hydrangea covered with bloom. Some suiprisinglj fine roses and Phlox Drummondi were > shown by Mr J. Cook, who also staged £ , collection of very fine vegetables and £ , plate of tempting peaches, which had beez i grown under glass. The only other fruil 1 shown was a small collection by Mrs Johi Payne. Altogether the show was verj i creditable to the exhibitors, and gave th< visitors, a great deal of pleasure. The salt

! w T*' *£ e contl^«oa of the Ladies' i Workinß; Bee, and the fesult of many | hours of labour, was e«tru B ted to Mesdames i?K ?m ', F w r ' yolckmsn and Shorland lheir stock for the moat part could be e j classed under the heading of useful, and a n ttoo& proportion of it found ready sale. Mra i, Torlesae, CoSton and Lissitnan had charge „! of the refreshment table, wh.ch was fairly Y ■ loaded with confections in great varietv >. ■> well a3 more wb.ta.Sa! fare ! The '^S^wt^ 69 ' C3Ve "d with i ] f n u k '^ Dackß^ or^ he J uvenile8 ' w aßattpnded 1;to by Mrs and the Misses Buss ; and Mrs . j H. Joues, with Misa Cotton's assistant 5 r n fh fftC sure5 ure , d ; b T, ?*> the SSS2 i depths of which could, for a consideration, ) be investigated in the hope of obtailI ! in? therefrom value for funds invested S The shooting gallery was managed by Mr i H. Jones, who was kept busy during the . evening. One o> the chief outside amuse! ) ments was to have been the Maypole dance, but this was postponed until to-day. Aunt 1 S'/°/ U & in ,? rtho <iox fashion, was . wedded for the afternoon to Mr George i barlow, who ungallantly permitted the old lady to be subjected to the indignity of violent assault and battery with sticke for the purpose of monetary gain. Several minor amusements were provided for the young people who were present in great forcfe. During the afternoon and evening the grounds were visited by a very ■atiefactory number of people, and the cash reßults were quite equal to expectations. The band of the Kangiora Eifle Company kindly played at intervals from six o'clock till teD, and their music was much appreciated. This evening the grounds will be illuminated for the concert, unless the rain necessitates a postponement. i