ST. MARY’S REBUILDING BAZAAR, WELLINGTON

New Zealand Tablet, 18 August 1921, Page 37

ST. MARY’S REBUILDING BAZAAR, WELLINGTON

(From our own correspondent.)

July 31.

Brightness, color, and warmth were to be found at the Town Hall on Saturday night, when St. Mary of the Angels’ bazaar, in aid of the church rebuilding fund, was opened. A great contrast was outside, cold wind, rain, and a moonless sky, but these unpleasant conditions did not prevent a great attendance at the bazaar, for the hall was thronged with buyers and onlookers at the various attractions. Each stall had overhead in the gallery a really wonderful picture of the church after which it was named. These were selected from among the famous Catholic churches of the world, and the picture of St, Mary of the Angels, Wellington, held its own in architectural beauty. The pictures were the work of Mr. Ernie Leaning, who is to be congratulated on his talent and industry in producing such excellent representation. The stalls were decorated each with special colors, and were well supplied with quantities of saleable goods, and handsome gifts which were the subject of numerous raffles. Around under the gallery was a chain of rainbow-colored electric lights, and at the back of the stage was a fine picture of rustic scenery. Numerous well arranged side-shows proved a constant source of attraction. Braund’s Orchestra played many excellent selections, and the pupils of Mr. Joe Knowley gave a charming performance of Irish and other national dances, as well as some pretty, fanciful ballets, A Pierrot company also pleased the assembled company very greatly, a gratifying fact being that they, as well as the little dancers, will appear again. His Grace Archbishop O’Shea, who was accompanied by the Rev. Father Mahony, opened the bazaar in a brief and sympathetic speech, eulogising the earnestness and persistence of Father Mahony, who had triumphed over many difficulties in his determination to re-establish a fine and favorite church. The Archbishop alluded to the beauty of the new* church, and said that Wellington might well be proud of such architecture. He trusted the necessary financial backing would be given to all those who had worked so splendidly in connection with the rebuilding fund, and in declaring the bazaar open wished it every success.

The following are stall-holders:—St. Peter’s (St. Vincent de Paul Society Stall).Colors white and gold. Queen candidate, Miss Mollie Rutter. Stallholders, Mesdames D. R. Lawlor, T. Halpin, T. R. Hackett, C. Pearce. St. Mary’s, Wellington (Altar Society Stall).— black and gold. Queen candidate, Miss Ila Card. Stallholder, Mrs. E. R. O’Connor. Secretary, Mrs. M. Gleeson. Rheims (Choir Stall).— blue and gold. Queen candidate, Miss Cecelia Ellis. Stallholders, Mesdames E. J. Healey, D. Burke, 0. Beauchamp, M. McGuire. Westminster (Children of Mary Stall) .-Colors, blue and white. Queen candidate, Miss Kathleen Crewdson. ' Stallholders, Mesdames T Crewdson and H. Tyson. Secretary, Miss Mary 0 Driscoll. St. Patrick’s, Armagh.-Colors, green and gold. Queen candidate, Miss-Mary McEvedy. Stallholders, Mesdames R. Dwyer and D. Dalton, Miss K. Whelan. To every stall is attached a splendid band of assistants, who work well for the good of their different stalls. the Queen Carnival is causing much interest, and each stall has a charming picture of the little candidate. The Key Father Quinn is the organiser of the bazaar, which will be open + for a fortnight, and every evening special entertainments and attractions are promised. During the week Miss Dons Guise and her pupils and Miss Kathleen 0 Brien and her pupils gave attractive performances, and the Pierrots also reappeared.