CATHOLIC BAZAAR, AKAROA.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVII, Issue 9, 21 June 1889, Page 25

CATHOLIC BAZAAR, AKAROA.

(Akaroa Mail, May 28.) The opening of this Bazaar took place on Friday last, but owing to the other attractions there was not quite such a crowd as we hoped for. Mr. McGregor, M.H.R., in opening the proceedings, said he had great pleasure in assisting in such a laudable object. Two years ago he had performed a similar duty, and was very proud to do so again. He saw around him a splendid display of works of art, quite equal, if not superior, to anything he had ever seen in a bazaar before. Since the last occasion the Church had lost one of their most energetic supporters. He referred to the late Mr. Cullen. No man did or could have done more for his Church than this lamented gentleman. He was a strong advocate for having a resident clergyman amongst them, and was glad to tee that the Church had at last sent such an able man as Father Purton amongst them. He felt Bure tbat this gentleman would materially assist in keeping together the members of his flock. In these degenerate days it was very important that a gentleman of his standing should be amongst them. He had the largest aDd strongest sympathies with them, and hoped they would be successful. In cnutch matters it was quite right that financial matters sLould be a primary point, although in their case he was given to understand that they were fairly well oft. In modern times, church work had been left principally to the ladies, and he was surprised to see so many works of art, which had been manufactured by their fingers. He would not delay them with a long speech. He had the warmest sympathy with them, and had now much pleasure in declaring the bazaar opened. It is net often that the Peninsula Roman Catholics appeal to the public for funds. It is no wonder, therefore, when those occasions come that they are liberally responded to. The Catholic Church established in Akaroa is the oldest religious institution in Canterbury, and its foundation is inseparably connected with the history of the Colony, but it is an old story and d. es not need n petition. One Bign of its prosperity in later years is the appointment of a resident clergyman. This has been badly wanted for some time, as the visits, few and fjr between, of rev. gentlemen, 'whose stay was limited, was hardly calculated to keep the members of the Church together. We are fortunate in receiving such an addition to the district as Father Purtou, whose presence will, no doubt, stimulate the members of the congregation to still greater exertions in the future than the past has witnessed. The Bazaar was an undoubted success as it thcroughly deserved to be, and tfter all expenses have been paid there will be a substantial sum left for the good purpose tor which it was given, viz., the mission fund. In spite of thu large attendance on the Queen's Birthday evening at the entenainmeut iv the Oddfellows' Hall, ihe Town Hall was crowded with visitors to the bazaar. The tine weather brought in many from the Bay?. We aie auro none who attended ngre ted it, as the beautiful outlay of articles and the gaiety of the ladies who were engaged in the good work were ample compensation for being "fleeced." As usual, the ladies weie to the fore, what could we do without them 1 Ibe irresistible appeals of tbc younger ladies, also, were more than enough to force every male, especiilly the more youthful, to pait with nis last shilling. Katies weic' continually going on, and you werj oblye'l to tiy your luck. You must put your name down for this w~b the uDiveis.il cry. If you woo, well and good, you mus: show your gratefulness by seeing if you could do it again. It you lost, the cuanees wi.ro in ; our favour text iimc. Tnose who aid win got a gcod return for their invcstment.Jand cid not repent it. Busiuets was lively duiing the whole evening. Ihe work displayed fur sale was really beautilul, and^auy an indusuious hour must have oeen spent iv rs production. One could not help admiring one veiy beautiful large mantel-drape conspicuously placid in tront of the third stall. There were many other specimens of leinmine labour tqually deserving. The stalls ran all lound the loom, S3 that the space left in the Hall was crowded with the large altmdance. The first stall was presided over by Mesdames Naroey, sen., aid Kotolowski. It was situated on the left-hand side of the entrance on coming in. Mrs Wilson and ibe Misses Cullen had charge of the second stall. The third stall was under the able management of Mesdames Ditely and Magee. Mrs F. JSarbey touk care of the fourth stall, in conjunction with the Christmas tree. This outcast from the busn was literally covered witn tasty am useful articles, and as the day went on more and more of the foliage came into view. Many kind fnenis presented produce; Messrs. W. Thomas, Woodill, W. Curry, L. Brocber, Geo. Armstrong, jun., Gurnet, Oilell and Mrß Blown piesented chtese. Mr. Victor Narbey gave the carcass of a sheep. Theie were niuny others who showed their goodwill, but their names are legion. The refreshment stalls were under the able care of Mr?. Cullen, and were in the back room. One could retire fiom the busy throne in the large room, and for the small sum of sixpence feast like au emperor ; in iacr, oLe or two gentlemen were overheard to remark that what they had lost in the rtiths they had made up for in the little Paradise presided over by Mrs. Cullen. Father Purton was continually present, and by his Kind aid and cheerfulne s urged the buyers and tellers alike to do thtir utmost. Ihe second day d.d not promise so well as the riist, as it was raining slightiy in the morning ; but the atternoon and evening "Sprned out beautifully, and huge crowds visile l the Hall. Duiiug •fcoth evenings several ladies aud gentlemen enlivened the proceedings by performing on the piano. It is pleasant to record this well \ deserving object was a complete success, and that after all expenses ' have been paid there will be about £100 clear profit, Thu joun" '

ladies whom we hiv^ spoken ot as rendering such i^oji se.vloi w -v the Misses Narbey, Calleci, O'Reilly, Knolowski, and others. Father Purton sends us the following: •• Tianks. — The Rev. F. Parton, 0.5.8., returns his most hearty thanks to the ladies and gentlemen of Ak9roa and the neighbourhood for the kind and generous support they gave to the baziar in the Town Hall on Friday and Saturday last. He thanks also those who contributed so many and such beautiful and useful things for the stalls. A special word of praise is due to the ladies who so ably presided over the stalls, and aleo to those who, with such winning perseverance, carried on the raffles."