MILITARY FAIR.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 444, 1 March 1909, Page 6

MILITARY FAIR.

A military tournament, fancy fair, and art union, organised to raise l'unds for obtaining now uniforms and instruments for tho first battalion Wellington Hiiio Volunteer Band, woro opened by l Colonel Robin in tho Skating Rink, ingestro Street, on Saturday afternoon. Colonel Robin, who was briefly introduced by Bandmaster Dean, read apologies for klio abse.nco of Sir Joseph Ward, the Hon. Dr. Findlay, and Colonel Webb, and then mado a littlo speech about the 1 usefulness of bands in pcaco and war, and the reasons why they should be assisted. Tho, band which they wore trying to help, ho explained, was named, about two years, tho Cadet Band. Sinco then cither tho lads had'grown to q big for their uniforms, or tho uniforms had grown too small for tho bandsmen, becauso moro woro needed. Tho instruments, also, required to bo replaced. At every public function, picnic, -and procession 'tho question was asked: "Where arc tho bandsh" That'was jn peace, time, when tho bands wcro always willing to givo their aid, to charitable institutions. In war time, except for the skirl of tho bagpipes and the note of the bugles, tho bands wore not heard at tho front. Either tho bandsmen took their l'illcs and entered tho ranks,-, or they wcro busy doing what they learned to do in this Dominion m timo of peace, rendering first aid, ajid giving attention to tho sick and wounded. It was worth tho wliilo of citizens, therefore, and part of their duty, to assist in tho equipment of these bands. It im.hovod the peoplo of Wellington to attend tho fancy fair all tli;s week and aid tho object in view. Ho hoped that tho hall would -prove too small for tlio oitizens, who would pationiso tho fair. Ho wished tho institution every success, and ho.hoped that tiio ladies, iviio had so iniHl of tho hard work on such occasions, would bo repaid by a harvest of coin that would equip tho band'according 10 desire. The stalls of tho, bazaar arc numerous, well stocked, and most attractively arranged. A shooting gallery, skittles,- the casting of horoscopes ''from tho cradle to tho grave," and portrait-malting, "while you wait," ara among tho subsidiary attractions, and tha tea > kiosk and refreshment stall are specially inviting. In addition to all this, a band is in attendance, and good musical and other programmes have been arranged. On Saturday night there was a very Inrgo attendance, and tho programme was as follows Songs, by Miss Murray, Mrs. T. 'E. Jones, Messrs. J. Knowlos, and A. Smith; clarinet solo by Mr. Fred Webb; tambourine dance, by Miss I. Waller ami Mr. E. Marshall. Appreciation was expressed of tho varied stalls, and a promising lirst day's business was accomplished. Tho following is tho entertainment programme for to-day:—Tambourino dance and Scotch reel, song, tug-of-war among nino teams, an ambulance display by the Ambulance Corps, and exhibitions of physical drill by tho Zealundut Rifles. Tho following aro in charge of t-lio stalls, oto.:— Tea kiosk, Mcsdamos l'\ L. Dean and T. E. Jones, assisted by Misses I. Jones, D. Jones, F. O'Flaherty, and 0. Dixon; fina art stall, Mrs. T. C. Webb, assisted by Hisses I. Webb, 01™ Wilson, 1!. Bastin, and Byrho; confectionery stall, Miss M. Murray.' assisted by -Misses A, Luke, M. Bailey, and G. O'Flaherty; fa-nit, floral, and bran tubs, Miss l'i Cunningham, assisted by Misses 1). Smith, IC. Poole, N.- Grindrod, I. Gadd, and X. Colo; Arcadia fancy stall, Miss N. Forbes assisted bv Misses li. Hill, H M'Malion L. Jones, M. Martin, 15. Biggs, 0. Chamber* lain, S. M'Krlone, Ij. Avery; Koromiko fancy stall, Mrs. M. E. Worner, assisted by Misses M. Owens, M. Kennedy, M. O'Connor, .M Mears, 1. Hawthorne, L. Taylor, >1. O'Cal laghan, E. O'Callaghan, Q. Hart, M. Craw ford, K. Marshall, 1. Waller, C. Barton, if. Bradley; telegraph station, operators, Messts. l'\ T. Bennington .and F. G. A j.incs; ladies addressing dispatches, Miss t. Hawthorne and Miss S. M'Erlene; messengers, buglers. .