FANCY FAIR.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 335, 8 February 1902, Page 3

FANCY FAIR.

There was a crowded atlendace at the Theatre Royal yesterday afternoon, and again last evening, when .the Grand Fancy Fair in connection with Et. Mary’s Church was continued $ The scene in the hall was a bright and animated one, and all present seemed .to take the liveliest interest in the proceedings. The several stalls were greatly admired by the spectators and the ladies in charge had plenty of work to do in attending to the wants of their numerous customers. A large number of young ladies devoted their time and energies in disposing of the tickets for rallies, etc, and they met .with marked success, the young, and even the old men, finding it difficult to refuse the requests of the fair damsels to tak? a ticket for this and that article, especially when the fair maid, in a pleading voice assured one “ that it was only sixpence.” The Huia stall, which presided over by Mrs Maynard, was one of the most attractive features of the bazaar, and many pleasing comments were passed upon it. Mrs Maynard was assisted by a large number of ladies, including the following : Mesdames Currie, Maher, Muldoon, Cox, and Hood. Misses Me Cabe, McQuirk, Heany* Bloomfield, Oxenham, Somervell, Rice, Power, (2), Currie, Fitzgerald, McLoughlin,' Tuohy, and Lynch (2). Prominent amongst the many pretty articles in ,the Huia stall was a very handsome liand-painted mirror, fire screen, and a beautiful monogram quilt, the work of Miss McCabe. The young lady mentioned is to be complimented upon the success of her efforts. The quilt mentioned is a real work of art, having no less than two hundred names upon it, each name representing the sum of one shilling, which the owner paid in order to have his initials worked thereon. His Worship the Mayor has his name in the centre of the quilt, and has five spaces to himself. The article is to be raffled this evening, •and in well worth possessing. The handsome screen and hand-painted m.ir- . ror on view at Mrs F. Martin’s stall were greatly admired, as also were the ' hundred and one other articles on exhibition. The screen and mirror were worked by the Sisters of Mercy at St. Joseph’s Convent, and the articles attracted a great deal of attention, the work being admirably done. In the list of those who assisted Mrs Martin ;we omitted to mention Misses Denniston, Waddell, and Miller, who rendered valuable assistance in connection with the stall. In the Pompadour stall, presided over by Mrs Finn, were many novelties to attract the attention of visitors, and the ladies in charge had a busy time. A very fine hand-painted mirror, the work of Mrs Scott, attracted a good deal of attention, as also did a charming bride Which was on view in the stall. The Empire stall, which was in charge of Mrs D. M. Orr, was beautifully arranged,' and had a great crowd of patrons. Mrs Orr had a number of ladies assisting, and one and all were unremitting in the efforts to promote the success of the bazaar. The ping pong tournament attracted a great following, and the finals, which are to be played this evening, promise to be excitingly interesting. In the ladies’ competition Misses Elliott and Heaney and O’Meara have to fight out the finish, whilst Messrs Lyttlcton and Cussens have also to play off. Several songs were given during the evening, Miss Buchanan contributing a coon song with much success. Miss Heaney gave a pleasing rendering of “ Bid me to Love,” and Mr Barlow sang “ Sally in our Alley,” with much effect. A Maypole dance and a skirt dance were other attractive items the ' young people engaged in them being loudly applauded. A character song, “ The Telephone,” by five little girls, was also much appreciated. The bazaar will be open to-day from eleven a.m., and will close this evening. The Rev Father Mulvihill has an art union under his supervision, and each person attending the bazaar receives a ticket. There are thirty valuable prizes, and the result will be made 1 known .this evening.