THE BAZAAR COMMITTEE.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 501, 18 August 1871, Page 2

THE BAZAAR COMMITTEE.

We are exceedingly gratified to learn that the committee of the (Jhoral Society's iiuzaar were not guilty of that unseemly voracity which their balance-sheet led us to conclude. In that balance-sheet, which we will charitably suppose was drawn up by some person not acquainted with such things, an item gave tho " expenditure in purchase of materials," while another item gave "refreshments, £21 13d. lOd." livery one naturally concluded that the latter sum was the expenditure incurred in providing physical and mental vigour to the members of committee in their arduous labours ; and no one could suppose that thepersoa instructed to submit a statement to the public would make such a blunder in book-keeping as to give a second item of materials provided for the stalls, in addition to the general and comprehensive term " expenditure in purchase of materials." However, so it is. The £21 13s. lOd. were paid to the purveyor for fitting out the refreshment stall, over and above the £43 4s. 6d. expended in materials for the other stalls. Alter the statement which we had previously given of the voracity manifested by one member of committee on the opening day, people naturally concluded that this was the style of performance during the continuance of the Eazaar, and did not. wonder at the result indicated in the balance-sheet. There was a general feeling of indignation, and we were the exponents of public sentiment. We were correct in representing the first 'incident. The- gentleman discovered by us devouring victuals on the opening day was really doing so at the expense of the Bazaar. It is probable that our remarks drew the attention of the committee to the likelihood of the proceeds of the Bazaar being eaten up, if this style of thing continued ; for an immediate stoppage was put to this gratuitous consumption of victuals, though, we understand, considerable difficulty was experienced. All tne other members of committee paid for their refreshments (rom first to last, as became gentlemen. It affords us much satisfaction to give this explanation respecting the committee, and our reference to the subject will have the effect of removing a stigma, which, owing to the absurdity of tho balancesheet, would, we think, have clung to the committee. The other two items for " attendance," and " fittings and decorations," as explained to us were justified, as including the lengthened preparations previous to a first public celebration in a new hall. The members of the Committee have worked earnestly and well for the success of trie cause, and we are glad that there does not remain anything to mar the commendation which they must receiye «t the hands of the public