WESLEYAN BAZAAR

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1378, 23 October 1886, Page 2

WESLEYAN BAZAAR

The long anticipa'ed Bizaar in aid of the fends of the Wesleyan Church wu opened in the Town Hall to-day. For many months past the ladies of the congregation and others have been busily engaged in preparing articles for the Bazaar, and the result, as seen to day, testifies to their industry and skilfulness, and, we have been assured, many additional attractions are to be on view very shortly. The various stalls were profusely and very tastefully decorated with flowers and evergreens, and the hall presented a very pretty appearance indeed. Articles of all descriptions, useful and ornamental, were ranged on every side, but we are unable to do justice to them within the limits of the present notice, and are compelled to hold over our account of the contents of the various stalls nntll next issue. The prominent exhibits were a gigantic bride cake, made by Mrs McNicoll, and some excellent wood-carving by Mr Brown, jun. A pendulograph and a were the subjects of much interest, and their manipulation was courteously shown by Mr D. H Brown, to whom they belong. The four general stalls were presided over by the following ladies:—Mesdamea Brown, Orr, Murray, S. Alcorn, R. Alcorn, Collins, Clayton, Steane, McNicoll, Pearson, fox, Misses Harvey, Steele, Murray, Pearson, assisted by many others. Refreshment stall: Mesdames Causey, C. Baker, H. M. Carson. Bride cake: Misses Fielding, Fox, and Potter

About eleven Jo’clock the Bazaar was formally opened. After prayer had been offered, the Bev. D. MoNicoJl briefly recounted the circumstances which led to the Bazaar being held. He said that an offer had been made to the office-bearers of the Church that if they raised a certain proportion of money towards paying off the debt on the building, the balance would be advanced from the General Loan Fund, free of interest, and to be repaid in easy instalments. It was with the object of raising this preportion that the ladies of the congregation had come forward and lent their services, the result of which was to bo seen that day, and if the audience as faithfnl'y contributed their share there would not be a penny of debt on the church in a year’s time—a consummation, he ardently hoped to see He called upon Mr W. 0. Walker, M.H.8,, to formally declare the Bazaar open.

Mr Walker said he felt great gratification at being asked to assist on an occasion like the present, in an undertaking with which he had every sympathy, and for the success of which he warm’y desired* He was sure that in A hburton, where sectarian animosities were not felt, that the people of all denominations would lend tfaair ready assistance to such a good cause He dechred the opened. After a Terse of the National Anthem had been sung, the large number of persons prevent wended their way about the various stalls, sdcnirlng the exh bits and making purchases; The Baziar will remain open for A week.