FANCY FAIR.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 335, 7 February 1902, Page 2

FANCY FAIR.

A GREAT SUCCESS. The Fancy Fair held in tho Theatre Royal last evening in aid of St. Mary’s Church was an unqualified success, from every point of view. The hall was crowded; in fact it was overcrowded, and one could move through the crowd but with the utmost difficulty. Tho hall looked resplendent with the decorations of the stalls, and with tho fancy dresses of the ladies assisting, the scene presented a very gay appearance. A feature which could not fail to draw the attention of the visitor was the number of young ladies who were attired in the costume of “ powder and patchos.” One was not allowed to remain in ignorance of the why and wherefore of the costume, for no sooner did a gentleman enter the hall proper than one of these costumed young ladies would “ buttonhole ” him, and demand a small sum for a ticket in an art union, tho prize to be a cushion or some other pieco of fancy work. The persevering manner in which these young ladies worked must have had its recompense, as they appeared to do a lot of business. Besides the business done by tho young ladies, those engaged at the stalls also did a roaring trade. The stalls had been nicely arranged in tho hall, and the pretty way in which they had been decorated, together with the taking manner in which the articles were displayed, reflected great credit on those in whose custody the stalls were.

A very pretty stall was the “ Huia,” presided over by Mrs Maynard, who was assisted by a large number of young ladies. The stall, as its name implies, was representative of the huia, being arrayed in black and white. The front of t the stall was draped with wadding, in which reposed in sweet content a number of “ huias.” From the top front was suspended threads of wadding, intermixed 1 with pretty silver balls. The stall was one which attracted much attention, and a bare pen description can give one no idea of its attractiveness, which has to be seon before one can fully grasp its pretty , appearance. In this stall were displayed the bride and bridegroom—a prize in tho art union. Another stall which claimed much attention was that presided over by Mrs Martin. It was nicely arranged, with the harp of Erin prominently displayed over the front of the stall. Among the many articles which were on sale in this stall was one which claimed no small amount of notice—a screen of four panels, and standing six feet high. It was a splendidly finished article, the panels being of satin, with handsome designs painted thereon, the designs being very pretty ones. Very favorable comments were passed upon the screen, and also upon a handsome mantle-drape of velvet in the same stall. This stall did a big business, the proprietress being assisted by Mesdames Williams and Martin, and Misses Moore, O’Reilly, Liddell, Martin, Malone, Boyle (2), and Jennings. The “Pompadour” stall, which was nicely decorated in divers colors, looked very attractive, and did a splendid business. This stall also possessed a bride, and there was much speculating as to who would be luckly enough to win her. Mrs Finn was the lady in charge in this stall, and was ably helped by such willing assistants as Mesdames H. Martin and Bourke, and Misses Neil, O’Connor, Brosnahan, Redmond, and Hackett. , A stall decorated in the colors of red white, and blue, and appropriately named the “ National,” did a tremendous business. In this stall were a number of articles of a first-class character, and the goeds met with a ready sale. Mrs Palairet was the lady in charge, while Mesdames Barry, Orr, Cussens, W. A. Martin, and Misses Orr (2) gave valuable aid.

The fancy goods stall, presided over by Mrs O’Meara, did a large. trade, the articles being nicely arranged, thus enticing buyers. Mrs O’Meara bad as helpers Mrs King, and Misses McNamara, Cussens, Butt, and^Lopdell. A stall which perhaps did the greatest amount of business during the evening was the refreshment stall. It was nicely arranged, and laid out in such a tempting manner that one was compelled to satisfy the cravings of the inner being which it aroused. The ladies at this stall were kept very busy, those assisting being: Mesdames Qneenin and Sweet, and Misses Good, Connelly, Crawford, Ford, Sweet, Murray, and King. The lollie stall, at which Misses Jeune, McConviile (2), and Hickey did a lot of service, was well patronised, and the . “ Lucky Wells,” or bran tubs, also did a large amount of business, being presided over by Miss McDowell and others.

The camp of the fortune-tellers, Misses O’Connor and Davis, was often visited, and the veil of the future lifted. The Art Gallery, of which Mr P. Doyle was custodion, was frequented by numbers of visitors, and the pictures therein represented met with many an admiring gaze. The ping-pong tournament was kept merrily going, and quite a large number of players participated in the game. During the evening, “ The Old Brigade ” was sung by Mr P. Doyle, and was well received. A danee was given by a number of children, and £was much appreciated. A number of colored lights were thrown on the children, and the whole presented a very pretty picture. The City Band attended during the evening, and gave a number of selections, which materially added to the enjoyment of those present.

The Committee are to be congratulated on the great success of the fair, for no trouble had been spared by them to attain that object. Everything went off well and should the attendance be as large this afternoon and to-morrow as was the case last evening, the funds of St Mary’s Church should benefit to no small extent.