GRAND BAZAAR AT MILLER'S FLAT.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXV, Issue 32, 17 December 1897, Page 19

GRAND BAZAAR AT MILLER'S FLAT.

The bazaar, -which was held at the Athenaeum, Miller's Flat, on tlic Ofch. lOlli and 11th iust., was a great suecesp. Thursday being the half-holiday at Roxburgh, many people came from that township and from all the surrounding district to patronise the good work on the opening mght. Thus a splendid start was made on the first day, which culminated in a most phenomenal attendance on the closing night. Great credit is due to the ladies who worked so unselfishly during many months preparing articles for sale. The nuns at Lawrence laboured might and main to secure success. Father Coffee had charge of the whole enterprise from start to finish, and it is no exaggeration to say that he has shown splendid organising qualities, which have contributed very much towards the object aimed at. The ladies of Roxburgh, Miller's Flat and Lawrence nobly seconded his efforts, and thus they have the satisfaction of knowing that their efforts have been amply rewarded. The people along the Clutha river in the vicinity of Miller's Flat, without distinction of denomination, most generously contributed their aid in every possible way to push on the good work. The Athenaeum committee, the Roxburgh brass band, and Messrs. Anderderson of Christchurch, contractors for the new bridge, are worthy of special mention. The committee hastened the building of the hall, which is not yet out of the hands of the workmen, as there is no other building where the bazaar could be held. Mr. Anderson gave the use of his electric light, while the band entertained the large crowd of people who attended on Saturday night. Many earuest prayers for good weather were offered during the past month, and it is encouraging to know that the promoters of this enterprise were blessed with exceptionally fine nights, as bad weather would have prevented many from attending. Father O'Neill of Milton drove all the way in company with the Rector of Lawrence. All concerned aie to be heartily congratulated on the net result, which amounts to the sum of £150. It must be admitted that this is a very handsome sum to be realised in a place where the population is so scattered, and where there was no building a couple of months since in which to hold the gathering. The Rector of the parish has good reason to be grateful to all the people of every creed who generously contributed towards this good work. The bazaar was formerly opened by the Rev. Father O'Leary, rectar, at 7 p m., the hall being well filled. He thanked very heartily all those who were contributing in any way to the success of the bazaar, which he hoped would realise a substantial sum of money. The funds in hand for a new church amounted to £140, and if all went well the residents of Miller's Flat would soon have a Catholic Church of their own. Father O'Leary then declared the bazaar open. The several stalls were arranged on the west, north, and east sides of the building. The Miller's Flat stall was presided over by Mrs. Hart, assisted by Mrs. Hand, junr., and Misses Graham, Honor, M'Lelland, and Richardson. The Lawrence stall was in charge of Mi;s Roughan, who had as willing assistants, Misses Airey, Delaney, and Hart. The Roxburgh stall was under the management of Miss Dunne, with the a&sibtance of Misses Laloli, Woodhouse, Malone and Morrin. The refreshment stall, which received a very fair share of support, was under the control oi' Mesdames Laffey, Moyle, Graham, Dick, ami Miss M'Loughlin. To further assist in the winning of any loose coin from the not unwilling public there were several side shows. Miss Roy did a goo 1 trade at the bran tub, and Mr. Tyson was kept very busy at his shooting gallery. A good deal of attention was devoted to the royal art exhibition (in charge oi Mr. Duffy), which contained many interesting curios, etc. A special feature of the bazaar was the gipsy tent, where fortunes were told by Miss A. J. Dunne, to the evident satisfaction of a large number of patrons. In addition to the above, there were numerous raffles for dolls, cushions, and a host of other handsome articles. The bazaar was continupd on Friday evening with very satisfactory result", and on Saturday evening the Roxburgh Brass Band performed an excellent programme.