THE GIPSY ENCAMPMENT.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 9, 16 December 1892, Page 15

THE GIPSY ENCAMPMENT.

(Southland Times, December 8.) A VBBY attractive variation of the ordinary bataar was introduced to Invercargill yesterday evening, when a Gipsy Encampment in aid of the funds ot St Mary's Catholic Church was opened in the Theatre. The doors having been opened, to the music of the City Band, the people poured in till the circle was packed and the lower part of the building crowded. The Mayor-elect (Mr D. McFarlane) ascended the ■tage, accompanied by the Hon J. G. Ward, the Bey Fathers Vereker and Goffey, and Messrs T. Green, A. Byrne, P. Gilfedder, J. B. Forde, W. McKeown and J. Collins. He said that he had great pleasure in presiding. Looking over the great assemblage, he thought they would agree with him that the cause which the promoters of the encampment had at heart was tven now almost assured. After a jocular reference to the nationality of the Gipsies who were to appear on the

scene, Mr McFarlane bespoke the support of his bearers for the object for which the Encampment had bean organised, and concluded by calling on the

Hon J. G. Ward to open the Encampment. That gentleman con* fessed that Mr McFarlane's remarks had made him a trifle nervous. He had indicated that there were Gipsies in tbe neighbourhood, and from his youthful recollections of what these people were supposed to do he thought some little trepidation on bis part was exousable, but lest this feeling should be generally experienced, he might add, by way of presaging coming events, that tbe visitors wculd be found to present quite a galaxy of youth and beauty. His task w&s simple and exceedingly pleasant. He had to open tbe Encampment, but before doing so he might be permitted, on behalf of the Rev Father Vereker, to thank the general public for the splendid way in which, by gifts, work, and monetary donatiens, they had contributed to the object in view — tht extinction of a debt of about £1000 on St Mary's Ohu?ch. . He also wished to say that the nuns of Invercargill, Oamaru, Dunedin, and Queenstown were represented in tbe stalls by many gifts of beautiful work, the result of their own skill and indus'ry and that ot their assistants', while the ladies of the congregation httd also contributed materially. After directing attention in humorous terms to 'some of the means provided for the investment of spire cisb, Mr Ward said that judging from the large attendance and the munificence of the contributions made, the expectations of the promoters would be more than reilised. He then declare! tha Encampmant open.

But where were the Gipsies? Tbe question was speedily answered. The raising of the curtain revealed them massed on tan left of the Bta*e. The Excelsior S ring Bmd under the leadership of Mr Norria, 8 ruck up the Gipsies' chorus, and the Grand nurch began. Tha procession was headed by a page (Master Maunix) who bore Q teen Esmeralda's banner, a very ricoiy blazoned ensign. Next carni Her Majesty (Hiss Lloyd, of Qieenstown) whose graceful aad stately presence was in keeping with the picturesque character she assumed. Tbe Queen was followed by tier immedia c attendants and a retiuue of fifty or sixty Gipsy lasses, whosa BWuet v aces blended with chinning effect ia the chorus to which they marched, while their varied and hands >me costumes and bright looks were as pleasing to the eye as their singing was to tbe ear. Their evolutions completed, the band, as became dutifal subjects, saluted their queen, who, sceptre in hand, had meanwhile ascended her throne, and the curtain then fell amid great applause. This very successful part of tbe programme waa carried out under the direction of Mr T. Anthony. Immediately after tbe audience had ample opportunity to become acquainted with the " Egyptians," who were evidently on business bent. Some were busily engaged taking the names of people eager to h tve a coance of securing some of the lovely articles oa view, while others were bringing beautiful dolls, cushions, etc., under tbe notice of blushing bachelors who looked despairingly in the direction of the door and— succumbed to the smiles of ye Roman? Lasses

A few words as to the disposition of Queen Esmeralda's forces will naw be in order. The space to the right of the entrance- is occup ed by a floral bower full of all that is delightsome in shrub and flower, and presided over by Mrs A. M. Byrne, assisted by Misses M. and G. Uowell and Miss K. Dickimm. Passing along to the right, the visitor ctmes to Gipsy bower Nj 3, whoi is ia charge of Misses Lawlor, Button, and Bradley, assisted by Misses Kemptan , Cavenagh, and Quinn. Next comes a refreshment booth under the superintendence of Mrs Kersey, whose aides are Misses Kirwan Hishon, Roche, Farrell, and Man gin. Adjacent to the booth is a tea kiosk where the Miases Stock (3), Morgan (4), and Miss Waterston. dispense the cup which cheera. Returning to the entrance, and passing to the left, Gipsy bower No 1 Cumes ia viewj Here Mrs Anthony and Miss Thomson are in command, assisted by Misses Ca trill (2), I. Thomson, Gcurley, and Cavenaga (2). Then there is Gipsy bower No 2, in charge of Mrs Burnett and Miss Boche ; and a well-stocked produce stall with Mesdames Forde (2), O'Eeefe, Boss, and Maloney and Misses Forde (2), as saleswomen. Tbe bowers are tastefully decorated. Below the stage a shooting gallery has been established, while a Gipsies' cauldron has been set up near the stage. The Investment of a shilling gives the right to explore its interior, and a prize ia variably rewards the search, for blanks are unknown. The cauldron is tbe handiwork of Mr H. Moir, and is a most artistic affair. It is suspended from a tripod, which is surmounted by a harp, wijth the Bhamrock, rose, and thistle immediately underneath. The bower's are filled with all manner cf beautiful articles, among them many fine examples of the needle, fancy, and art work for which the nuns have gained a high reputation. Hand-paintad screens and mirrors, picture?, cushions with floral and other devices worked upon them and fancy chairs, are a few among the host of things that but for the exigencies of space well deserve extended notice. The Invercargill nuns are represented, among other things, by a Spanish louage and ottoman, and an octagon-occasional tabls hand-painted in oils. Conspicuous among the cushions is a gem from the Qaeenstown convent, with foxgloves and a bit of lake scenery worked in plash. Enough has been said to show that the encampment is well worth a visit, with its music and mirth, and its treasury of works of art. -