ST. MATTHEW'S GARDEN FETE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXII, Issue 9594, 4 February 1910, Page 5

ST. MATTHEW'S GARDEN FETE.

AN ENJOYABLE FUNCTION

When Dame Nature sets about to do a thing, it is fairly safe to assume that her handiwork will have on it the stamp of the beautiful. Dame Nature, however, sometimes requires a little assistance from man to produce au artistic effect from wh?ch the profusion of objects that leads to confusion has been eliminated. Mau and Nature appear to have been singularly successful in Mr W. H. Beetham's grounds in Perry-street, aud have combined to bring about an effect that is as delightful in its wealth of colour as it is charming iv its artistic arrangement. A glorious day showed tho gardens at their best. Small wonder, then, that yesterday's Gardeu Fete was a success, and that the hearts ot those present wero gladdened by a large attendance. Au ouergetic committee, ot which Mr Macleau is secretary, had arrangements well in baud, and a number of interesting competitions wero got off. Promineut amoug these were tilting at the ring on bicycles, teuuis matches, putting competitions, nail-driving aud others, all of which attracted considerable attention. Nestling under leafy bowers were cuuuingly-coutrived stalls, well stocked with a variety of temptingly-displayed articles. The graceful maypole dauce was a feature of the day, aud was delightfully performed by Mrs Kendall's pupils, while appropriate aud much appreciated music was discoursed by Mr Reihana Boyes' orchestra.

The following are the stalls aud stall-holders : —Art stall, Mesdames W. H. Hosking, W, B. Chennells, C. A. Tabuteau, Watson, Cook, and Miss B. Vallance, assisted by Misses JacKsou (2) and ~E. Archer; fish pond, Misses Beatrice Mackersey aud Chris. Hoskiug; sweet stall, Misses Beetharn, Bennett, Mace, Baird ; tea kiosk. Mesdames Wiuzeuberg, G. A. Jones, Ureu, R. E. Jones, assisted by Misses Moore. Collie and Wiuzeuberg (2); cool drinks, Misses Hettie Robins, Madge Towuseud aud E. Mayow; gipsy tent, Miss Ella Wyett; flower stall, Mesdames H. Boetham. George Sellar, Gawith, Misses Gawith aud Vailauce.

Iv the evening the effect, in its way, was as delightful as that of the day. The broad splashes of sunlight that fell through the trees had giveu way to many-coloured lights, which showed up in strong relief agaiust the dark background of foliage. The attendance was agaiu large aud all appeared to be having a delightful time. An opeu-air coucerfc, uuder the supervision of Mr G. Branson, was quite a success, tho items beiug vigorously applauded throughout. Following is the programme :--Orchestra, overture ; Mr F. H. Elcoate, "Farewell Marguerita" ; Miss Jago, "Carmeucita" ; Mr E. R. Wilsou, recitatiou, "Snorkius" ; Mr W. Jago, "Sweet Adeline" ;Mr W. Iggulden, "The Veteran's Song" ; Mrs Ashton, "Down the Vale"; Mr H. F. Greeu, "Thora,"; Miss Jago aud Mr F. H. Elcoate, "Watchman, What of the Night"; Mr Claysou, "Three for Jack"; quartette, "Johnnie Schmokor. " Iv the course of the proceedings the Rev. H. Watsou asked those present to accord Mr aud Mrs W. Beetham a very hearty vote of thanks for so kindly lending their beautiful grounds for the purposes of the Fete. Needless to state the request was respouded to in a inauuer that left uo doubt as to the sincerity of the feelings of thoso present.