Sale of Work and Gift Auction.

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 139, 8 December 1894, Page 2

Sale of Work and Gift Auction.

The sale of work and gift auction which was held in the Assembly Booms yesterday afternoon and evening, in aid of St. John's organ and choir fund, proved a decided success, the result far exceeding expectations. The hall had been nicely fitted up with stalls and drapings, and the room looked quite gay witli the many coloured articles of needle-work of every description displayed for sale, with flowers, pot plants, &c, arranged in various positions. From the time the sale commenced, at 2.30 p.m., the hall was crowded with buyers, many being there from all parts of the district, and during the afternoon a capital business was done. Later in the evening the hall was fairly packed with buyers and onlookers, and trade was briskly carried on, each of the various stalls being well supported. Inside the door a fish pond had been erected, and on entering the hall one was immediately " hooked "to try his luck. The result of the "angling" caused much amusement. A produce stall came next, laden with all sorts of good things, while poultry of various kinds were to be obtained there. Another stall contained pot plants and flowers of a choice selection. Apparently the soundest business was done at the refreshment stall, and from the ready sale of the most tempt* ing edibles which were offered here, including strawberries and cream, ice creams, etc., it is no wonder that those in charge were kept very busy. The whole of one side of the room contained stalls in which needlework of every description was exhibited. This was chiefly the handiwork of the ladies of the sewing bee. These stalls were considerably thinned out towards the end of the evening. A.number of little lasses, possessed of a vast amount of persuasive power, ••button-holed" the gentlemen in a remarkable manner, doing good biz. Towards the close of the evening the perishable articles were disposed of by Dutch auction, Mr Carr " wielding the hammer." Competition was fairly brisk, almost everything being disposed of, although prices were generally in favor of purchasers. Mr Haybittle's string band considerably enlivened the proceedings by rendering a number of choice selections, and in addition musical items were given by Misses Shannon and Rogers, and Mrs L. Holden. The ladies of the sewing bee, and* those who i took an active part in the working up of the sale, are to be congratulated on the success of the affair, the result of which will be the means of augmenting the choir and organ fund to the extent of nearly £60.