FANCY FAIR AND BAZAAR AT ALEXANDRA.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1245, 8 January 1886, Page 3

FANCY FAIR AND BAZAAR AT ALEXANDRA.

The basaar in connection with the Presbyterian Church came off in the Town Hall, Alexandra, on Boxing Day, and also on Monday evening, the 28tK nit., and turned out to be a genuine and substantial success, besides furnishing two pleasant social entertainments to the large numbers who attended.

The Bazaar was opened in the afternoon of Saturday by the choir, ot children, who sang the Christmas hymn “ Hark I the Herald Angels sang,” led. by Mrs Lothian and Miss Haig. :ii J The Rev. Mr Lothian .then said that before asking the Mayor (Mr J. E. Thompson) to declare the Bazaar open, he deaired to express bis best thanks that so much interest had been taken in this bazaar, and bis astonishment at the very great liberality with which the collectors had been received in every part of the -district; whilst members of all denominations ihadv cheerfully and readily assisted and' contributed their gifts. Looking round on the profusion of works of arc, needlework, and on the many useful and beautiful articles which graced the stalls, be could not help saying that such an exhibition reflected credit on the’ district. He was likewise aware that many of the articles and gift* were indeed labours' of love, and that he had learned that they had in some ewes proved a labour of solace and had helped to occupy the minds and hands of some who had their trials and griefs to bear. He would also mention that to the ladies they were greatly indebted for the successful and excellent way in which the good work had been carried oat. Without detaining the audience with any further remarks, he had now the honor and pleasure of calling upon His Worship the Mayor of Alexandra to epen this Bazaar. / The Mayor then come forward, add said that be supposed it was on account of his official position that he had the honor conferred upon him of being asked to open this bazaar. It afforded him the greatest pleasure indeed to do so. The bazaar was m aid of completing some improvements connected with the church property such as fencing the glebe pad (looks, etc., and he, personally, hoped, and was sure that the affair would be a complete success, and it bad his best and most hearty wishes in every respect. He had now the honor and pleasure of formally declaring the bazaar open for the sale of goods and other business.

The children then sang another piece, and thereafter the business began fa get brisk, and continued so till about half-past II o’clock, at which hour the entertainment was brought to a close for the evening. During th« busiest part of the evening the hall presented a guy and animated scene. The stalls were wreathed with evergreens, and flowers graced the refreshment taMes, a d the Christmas Tree was handsomely decorated with- toys and ornaments. For a time ihe room: wa* crowded somewhat uncomfortably, but the greste it order and good humor prevailed on every h«nd. Flitting hither and thither among the crowd the ladies, in fancy, costumes, formed a very attractive and striking feature in the scene. Amongst them were to he seen ladies in the following costumes:—Five o’clock Tea; Dolly Varden ; Nancy Lee; Gipsies ; Swiss Peasant Girl; L’l k ; Charity ; Ambulance Nurse ; Flora M‘Donald ; Little Red Biding Hood; Mary-Mary-Quite-Cuntrarv, Shepherdess, etc whilst Old Father Christmas, with venerable mien, put in an appearance much to the de'ight of the youngsters. At the clo»e of the entertainment on Monday night, Mr Oeorce M‘Neill, on behalf of the office-bearers of the Church, proposed a most hearty vote of thanks to all wh-i had contributed fa tbe bazaar;whether in live stock, poultry, fancy work, or money, and for all gifts of whatever kind ; and likewise fa all who, whether in thediatnc or at a distance, had rendered their assistance, and especially to the ladies, by whose labours and efforts the undertaking had teen crowned with success.

We are glad to learn that so far as vet estimated, the amount that will he handed over to the Church will probably exceed LIOO. ”•