FANCY FAIR AT PANMURE.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXII, Issue 3, 17 May 1895, Page 8

FANCY FAIR AT PANMURE.

(Manukau Gazette, April 22 )

Fob considerably more than half a century the name of Father "Walter has been a household word in the province of Auckland, His fame as a public man has extended over tbe leng h and breadth of the Colony, zealous in the discharge of his p xstoral dutiee, an enthusiast in futherance of all great public movements. In social circleshe hag always been a welcomed guest, a true spirit of Catholicity has marked all his public efforts. If any evidence were needed of the popularity be enjoys, of the esteem and regard entertained for him or of the iespect in which he is held by all classee, it was Bbown on the evening of Easter Monday, when a Fancy Fair was held at Paumure for the purpose of enabling his people and friends of other denominations an opportunity of giving in a substantial manner proof of their respect and veneration for him, on whose behalf it was specially arranged, Much labour had been expended and considerable indusry Bbown in the arrangements for the fair, and the committee had the satisfaction of having their labours crowned with success Bright flags were suspended from the beams across the hall, and ferns and greenery were liberally disposed about the building. The platform was specially decorated. Altogether the interior of the buildIng bore a charming aspect. The stalls were laden wi'h large collections^of articles, useful and ornamental, all displayed to best advantage. These goods were the result of a special ifiort of the ladies and were very varied. A special one shilling stall was conducted by Miss Funke and Miss Searcbfield ; Mrs I. Sanly was in charge of the flower stall. A fish pond was on the right of the main entrance and was an exciting feature of the fair, and was unable to withstand the high '.pressure brought to bear upon its resources. It was in charge of Mrs Doherty and Miss Lydia Bright, ably assisted by Mr Joseph Finnerty. A copper coin only being required for speculation.

The doors were opened at seven o'clock, and the hall was quickly crowded so that locomotion became difficult. Monsignor McDonald in introducing Mr Morrin, who had kindly consented to open the Fair, Bpoke of the great kindness and encouragement the committee received and the noble success attained. The efforts of the promoters would not have been bo successful if they had not been backed up by kind friends of other denominations. Miss McDoDald presided at the pianoforte.

The Fair closed on Wednesday evening in circumstances which must be very gratifying 'o all connected with the undertaking, which involved considerable thought and energy and the expenditure of much labour. The promoters had the Batistaciiou of having a crowded house. The crowd gathered was bo large that it was impossible to move about with any degree of freedom. The arrangements were in capable hands, and nothing occurred to mar the proceedings. A promenade concert was held, after which a dance took place, aud all present eDjoyed themselves to their hearts' content. Father Walter had a number of Maoris, in whose welfare be has taken a deep and abiding interest, on the sta<?e, and addressed them in their native tongue. At an early sage of the proceedings Father Walter took occassion to thank one and all for the great effort made, and expressed his deep gratitude to the ladiei who had so successfully managed the exhibition, and to the immense company of friends of all denominations who had met together to honour him.

Monaignor McDonald acknowledges with feelings of deep gratitude the sum of £3 fiom his Excellency the Governor in aid of the recent fancy Fair at Paomure.