OPUNAKE.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 36, 4 September 1902, Page 5

OPUNAKE.

(From an occasional correspondent.)

For some months the ladies of this gjy wing district had been working and canvasping for a 'Coronation Fair' in aid of the new convent Bohcol and presbytery fund, On August 9th, at 8 p.m. (Coronation Day), a very important gathering took place in the Opnnake Town Hall to witnesd the opening of the event. The Rev^ Father Cognet, S.M., explained why the Member for Taranaki and also the chairman of the Town Board were absent. The function he said, was, from the first, meant to be a coronation fair, and it happened that the coincidence had been made perfect. The auspicious coincidence should cause them all to rejoice ; and as Catholics they heartily joined with their countrymen in paying homage to the new King and Queen of England, who were crowned that day in Westminster Abbey. They could follow the example of our Holy Father the Pope, who ient his deputies to the celebrations with his message : 'Go and take my sympathy and my blessings to good King Edward.' Having referred to the liberal spirit with which other appeals bad been favored by the Opunake public, and aIBO to the tempting display of goods exhibited the Rev. Father concluded by declaring the fair open and inviting the band to play 1 God save the King,' after which three cheers were called for the King and Queen, and responded to in real British style. The di-play consisted of two treble-stalls, tastefully decorated with coronation red, nikau palms, and pampas grass, and laden with paintings, mirrors, fire-screens, plush-chairs, settees, rattantables, flower-stands, drapes, cushions, lamps, silver tea and coffee services, what-nots, lounge -chairs, carved trays, tray - cloths, epergnes, hall-stands, wedding-cakes, etc. The stalls were in charge of (1) Mesdames M. J. Bivnnan and M. Fraser, assisted by Mesdames J. McHardy and Des Forges, and Misses Brennan (3), Hiokey (4), MoSweeney, Lynham, O'Connor, Barlow (2), Jeffries, Cletrg, Duggan, Callander, Barkley, Proper (2), Tidd, Peat and Duffill ; (2) Mesdameß O'Brien and Tindle, assisted by Mesdames McDavitt, Scott, Fowler, O'Meara, Woods, Hodgsan, Barron, and Missea Haughey, Flynn, Higgins, Daly, Ryan, McNamara, A. Hearn, Gilligan, Dempsey, McMenamin, Simpson, Vickery, Clemoe, Preston, Parkes Morris (3), L. Dudley and Wagstaff. The refreshment table was managed by Mrs Higgins, assisted by Mrs A. Fraser, Mrs J. M. Hickey, and Mrs O. Cumminß. Amongst the various amusements provided for the public wer c Maypole dancing, under the supervision of Mra O'Meara, Irish an^ Highland reels danced in costume by a few school boyp, a Highland sword-dance executed by Master T. Fowler, and a Highland fling danced in character by Muster A. Brennan. A bevy of little girls in sailorB 1 dresses looked charming in the hornpipe. All these items were performed in a very creditable manner, and were vociferously applauded and encored. Miss K. Flynn played the music for the Maypole, and M. M. Fowler and J. Hickey for the other dances. The public could not help pataing a high eulogium on the merit of the able teachers who prepared and trained the children for these graceful dances, and especially Mr D, Rob?, so favorably known in the district. Beside? all these attractions, the Opunake Brass Band put the Catholics of the district under a debt of gratitude by giving voluntarily their much-valued services every night. On Friday evening the following programme was gone through : — Song, ' Asthore,' Mr McDavitt; song, 'Inland of Dreams,' Mrs O'Meara (encored) ; pong, ' A soldier and a man,' Mr E. Lusk ; song, ' Soldiers in the park,' Miss X Flynn (encored); Highland fling, Master Allan Brennan ; song, ' Queen of the earth,' Mr Garry; song, ' In the shade of the palm,' Mr Hirst ; duet, ' Life's dream is o'er,' Mrs O'Meara and Miss K. Flynn (ci cored). A number of little girls danced a hornpipe. On Saturday evening business was very brisk, and it became evident that our anticipations of a financial success would be surpassed. By 11 p.m. all goods left on the stalls were cleared and Bold by public auction, many of the articles realising good prices. As a wind-up to a very good week, a social was held in the hall On Monday, 18th August, and was well patronised, Miss K. Flynn and Messrs Fowler, Humphries, Lusk and Hirst supplied the musio, and Mr Martin carried out the duties of M.C. Before closing the proceedings the Rev. Father Cognet announced that the sum of £362 17s 4d had been handed in, and that nearly £30 were still expected from various sources. This gratifying result places the parish account in a most satisfactory condition, and will enable the committee to carry out the desires of our community. On behalf of the committee, Mr M. J. Brennan thanked all promoters, assistants, and also the public, and brought the fair to a close with a few humorous and opportune remarks. Daring the progress of the fair on Wednesday afternoon a very sad ooourrenoe took place. While all its occupiers were away at the bazaar, St. John's Presbytery was found to be on fire. The firebell soon sounded the alarm, and in a moment the whole population reached the building. Willing hands exerted themselves to save the furniture, about two-thirds of which was removed. The fire brigade managed to put out the fire, but not before great damage was done. The building is now a mere charred wreck. It was insured in the Phoenix for £120, and the furniture in the Northern Queensland for £80. Much sympathy was shown to the sufferers, who within two hours were provided with a new dwelling. Unfortunately there are in every presbytery many valuable articles, books especially, which cannot be replaced easily.