THE BAZAAR.

Evening Star, Issue 3477, 15 April 1874, Page 2

THE BAZAAR.

Although yesterday evening before our going to press, the preparations for the Bazaar at the Masonic Hall, in aid of ihe bui.ding fund of Portobello Church, were only rudimentary, such has been the energy of the committee that the stalls were erected, arranged, decorated, and dressed, some hours before the time appointed for opening the business. There are four stalls for the sale of goods : two at the higher end of the room, and two on the left hand from the entrance. Those opposite the entrance are presided over by Mrs Harris and Mrs J. R. Mackenzie, and Mrs Larnach and the two Misses Sproule have undertaken the task of superintending sales at the other two. On the right hand side is the refreshment stall, the care of which we doubt not kss' been allotted to soma fair volunteer, although we are not at present informed who baa undertaken so onerous a task. The “dressing” of a window well—we believe we are right as to tho term—is always con sidered a special attribute of taste. An artist may paint well, a sculptor may carve well, a lady or gentleman may dress well, and yet not be able to “ dress a window,” still less a stall at a bazaar. To do this so as to place the multifarious articles of ornament and utility to tho best advantage is no trifling test of art genius. Whether it is the result of the elegance of the articles or the innate taste of the presiding ladies, or both combined, we cannot tell; but, although not crowded with goods, each of the stalls looked remarkably well, f xamining the articles -or sale in detail, we were much gratified ou seeing that most of the goods are of very superior workmanship. The embroidered irticles are beautiful in design, and exceedingly well worked. We noticed especially a number of sofa cushions, bannerets, fender ■ ootstools, chairs with embroidered backs and seating, tea and coffee stands, and a music stool. There are splendid and very valuable vases, elegant work-tables, workbaskets, coseys, and an endless variety of devices for ornament and use, which must be seen to be appreciated. For children there are dolls in dress suitable to all ages. One in bridal costume, and another in a perambulating cradle, the occupant of which, has the faculty of throwing its arms and legs about, baby fashion, as it travels. \ very handsome fishing smack, rigged and ready for sea, will prove attractive to boys, and there is a model of a pretty villa on the seashore, with semaphore and boats on the beach. Of Chinese toys there are many; some of which show their ingenuity and acquaintance with entomology. as they have imitated the motions 'd insects with extraordinary accuracy. It is impossible to describe all that may be seen and purchased at this Bazaar ; but wo must not omit to notice a beautiful water-color painting of one of the remarkable landscapes of Milford vSouud, which for brilliancy of color and effective treatment is not often surpassed, and seldom equalled. Apart from the money question, the Bazaar is worth visiting as an Art Exhibition, and we have no doubt will realise the hopes of its promoters.