OKATO.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 20, 15 May 1902, Page 5

OKATO.

(From an occasional comspondent.) May 4. The Okato Universal Fair, held in aid of the building fund of St. Patiick'e Church and prtsbytery was a great succesn. It was opened on Monday evening, April 21, by our popular M.H.R , Mr E. M. Smith, who, notwithstanding the very unpleasant weather, drove from New Plymouth, thus placing the ladies who had charge of the undertaking under a deep obligation to him. The large marquee erected close to the church was not sufficient to hold the large number who attended from all the surrounding districts. There were four stalls, all of which were artistically decorated, and well supplied with goode. m The following is a list of the stalls and stallholders :—lris: — Irish — Mesdames Daly, O'Sullivan, and O'Connor. Colonial. — Mesdames M. Brophy, P. Duggan, and Misses. E. Carpenter and A. Daly. Continental — Misses K. and H. McNamara. K. Ryan, and Mesdames Metcalfe and A. Clarke. Polynesian — Mesdames Judge, Mcßeynolds, Aylward, and S. Jones In the lastmentioned stall was exhibited a very comprehensive collection of curios and works of art sent by friendly South Sea Islanders. Close to the entrance waa the refreshment stall managed by Miss Dunn, and Mesdamea Barrett, M. Fleming, and Heather. Each of the stalls was draped and fitted up with flags denoting its nationality. At the appointed time the Rev. Father Cognet opened the proceedings with a few complimentary remarks regarding the inconvenience which Mr. Smith bad put himself to in order to be present. Mr. Smith then addressed the audience at some length, and c 4ui pared the Belf -reliant spirit of this Colony with the conservatism prevailing in the Old Country. He referred to the impetus Boon to be given to the iron-sand industry, and also dealt with the

necessity for certain local and provincial improvements. ' Having complimented the ladieß on their splendid display of goods, be declared the fair open. On the call of the Rev. Father Cognet three hearty cheers were given for Mr. Smith. Then the stallholders and their assistants went to work and to the credit of our Okato community be it said » most liberal response was made to their appeal. In addition to the stalls there was a number of side shows all of which did good business, and provided considerable amusement. The fair was brought to close on April 24, the proceeds on that evening alone amounting to £87. The public were highly, pleaped with the proceedings throughout, and a word of praise is due to the ladies, who left nothing undone to secure the success of the undertaking. The prizes offered by the committee to the two most successful lady canvassers fell to Miss 11. McXamara 1, and Miss J. O'Sullivan 2, the rest in order of merit being Misees K. O'Sulhvan, M. Francis, A. Thiggan, K. McNaniara, M. Mcßeyuolds, Mrs P. Duggan, Misses K. Ryan, G. Murphy, A. Daly. During the fair Mr -i Metcalfe. Mi»N G. Browning, and ot'u rs contribute*" musical selections, and Mr Gill amused the audience with items by the graphophone. The total proceeds will exceed £200, which is a very creditable amount for the Okato district. This will not alone be sufficient to wipe off the debt on the churoh, but will leave » handsome surplus towards the proposed church at Pungaretu.