Bazaar and Gift Auction.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 197, 21 December 1893, Page 2

Bazaar and Gift Auction.

The bazaar and gift auction in connection with the Primitive Methodist Church was opened shortly after two o'clock yesterday afternoon by Mr F. Y. Lethbridge. Unfortunately the attendance at the opening was small, owing, no doubt, to the heavy downpour of rain which commenced about one o'clock. The Key. Mr Clement, in introducing Mr Lethbridge, said he had been requested to ask that gentleman to open the bazaar, and he had much pleasure in doing so. It would be fifty years in September next since their Church had been established in New Plymouth, and, as there was a debit of £134 on the Feilding Church, they thought it would be a fitting way of celebrating their jubilee by holding a bazaar, and endeavor to raise the debit. Mr Lethbridge said he was very much astonished when asked by the Rev. Mr Clement to open the bazaar, and he had remarked to that gentleman that there were others in town who could do it better than he could. However, it gave him considerable pleasure to be there to open the bazaar, and he was sorry indeed that the weather was so unfavorable. They had been told there was a debt of £134 on their. Church, and he hoped that to-night the necessary amount would be raised. He thought bazaars and gift-sales were very useful, and were a good way of raising funds. It had been said that we had too fnany churches in Feiidiog. but he did not think so. It was a good sign, and showed that they had the courage of their opinions. He would now declare the Bazaar open. Mr Clement moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Lethbridge for his speech and attendance, which was seconded by Mr Gould, who referred to Mr Lethbridge's good qualities and the interest he took in the progress of affairs in the town. As it continued wet the whole of the afternoon the attendance was poor, but during the evening it brightened up and by 7 o'clock the hall was well filled, aud good business was being transacted in the various departments. In the centre of the hall a large Xoias tree had been erected, and fiou its branches were suspended clusters of toys, etc., which could not fail to gladden the hearts of the young. A pretty sight was the flower stall, which was presided over by the Misses Blackmore and Thompson. A tempting display of edibles of every description could be seen on the refreshment table, and a fair business appeared to be doing there. The fancy goods stalls were . laden with many pretty and useful things, whiob, being marked ot low puces sold readily. At nine o'clock M> Frank-lin-Browne proceeded to dispose of the poultry, fancy goods, &c, by auction, almost everything being cleared out., bargains being* numerous. The hall had been nicely decorated and Mr Haybittle's band, which was in attendance, enlivened the proceedings considerably.