ST. STEPHEN’S PARISH GIFT AUCTION AND BAZAAR.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 1, Issue 129, 22 July 1880, Page 2

ST. STEPHEN’S PARISH GIFT AUCTION AND BAZAAR.

The gift auction and bazaar in aid of the funds of St. Stephen’s parish was held in the Town Hall yesterday, and opened at two o’clock. The ladies’stalls were presided over by Mesdames Fooks, Felton, Gates, Carter, Gundry, Curtis, Slimy, Scott, and Crisp. The refreshment stalls were under the charge of Misses Compton, Cowper, Gates, and Mrs. Cambridge. A Christmas tree was “ planted” on the stage, and Mr. Shury took charge of the ‘ ‘ forestry* 1 -, of it, aided by the Misses Shury. Conspicuously situated in the centre of the hall was a large and costly doll, and as handsome as costly, the contribution of Messrs. Zouch and Ferryman, which was raffled in the evening, Miss Gates being the lucky winner. The ladies’ stalls were very attractively decorated, and comprised contributions of fancy work from all the leading parishioners. The stock and produce department was under the care of Messrs. Bullock and Gundry, and the sale was held in the horse bazaar. Very noticeable gifts were three head of cattle, by Mr. Joseph Hunt, and a buggy horse by Mr. Edward Cookson. Mr. Hawdon, of Westerfield, also contributed acow and calf, while several dozens of fowls and ducks were sent in by different farmers. The stock realised fair prices. In the produce department, under the gallery of the hall, we noticed gifts of flour from Messrs. Moffat, Bowers, and Davis, the millers of the district; fat sheep by Mr. Carter; dressed pigs by Mr. Hay Smith, and others; and a fine assortment of ornamental trees from Messrs. Sealy Brothers. There were smaller gifts of grain, etc., from many other farmers. From the large quantity of goods of every description, both useful and ornamental—contributed liberally by settlers of every denomination —we have no doubt the bazaar will be an unqualified financial success. W« must not omit to mention that the needful carpentering for the erection of stalls, etc., was done by Messrs. St. Hill and Gates, the contribution of timber and labor being in itself no mean gift. We must compliment the pastor of the church on the very successful effort that has been made by the parishioners to relievo his charge of the incubus of debt, upwards of £IOO having been netted by the bazaar.