CITY BAND FAIR.

Gisborne Times, Volume XII, Issue 1070, 11 December 1903, Page 2

CITY BAND FAIR.

AN ATTRACTIVE GATHERING,

The Theatre Royal last evening was the scene of a bright and attractive gathering on the occasion of the opening of the Old English Fayre, promoted by a number of ladies and gentlemen of Gisborne, in aid of the funds of the City Band. Elaborate preparations had been made for the funclion, and the great success which has been achieved must have been very gratifying to all concerned. Certain it is that every effort has been made to provide attrac- v tions, and no one should miss the opportunity of visiting the Theatre during the remaining two afternoons and evenings that she fair will be open. Upon entering the hall the first stall of note that catches the eye of the visitor is the produce stall, presided over by the Mayoress (Mrs Townley), and Misses Cooper and Colley. Here one is invited to inspect and purchase all manner of fruits and vegetables, which are displayed to the utmost advantage, and are an excellent testimony to the productivenes oi the district. A host of attractions are offered in the fancy work stall, which is in charge of Mrs A. Beere, assisted by Misses J. McDowell, L. Jones, V. Simson,' Lulu Power, and Kathleen Martin. The ladies in charge were dressed in tho good old English style, and were greatly admired. Christmas presents and novelties of all descriptions are to be obtained at this stall. Passing up the ball on the right one comes to the toy depot, which is in charge of Meßdames Siddells and Quigley. The ladies mentioned have displayed a grand collection of toys' and fancy goods, and no one need pass by without getting the very article in this line that be or she is in search for. A second produce stall is in charge of Mrs Macfarlane, and Misses Maofarlaue, Reynolds, and Theta Evans. A maguificent display of fruit and cereals has been rnado, and as competition is the life of trade, tho ladies in charge were fully alive to their responsibilities, and did all in their power to push business. An up-to-date tobacconist shop is the next attraction that meats one’s view. It is one of the prettiest btalls of the fair, and certainly reflects groat credit upon Mrs E. D. Smith and the young ladies who are assisting her. Tastefully decorated with mirrors, bamboo, and evergreens, and woll stocked with a varied assortmout of goods, the tobacconist shop is a most attractive corner of the fair. The ladies in charge are enterprising, and fow chances of making ft sale are allowed to go by. The flower stall is always ono of the beauty spots of a function such- as that under review, and the favorable weather recently experienced has enabled a fine show to be made. Misses Oole and Redstone are in charge of this stall, and arc deserving of congratulation for their successful display. The lollie and fruit stall was perhaps the best patronised by tho large crowd that attended the fair last evening. It is in charge of Mrs Adair, who has a band of willing workers, including Mrs Colebourne, Misses J. Adair, Chrisp, and Messrs Hallam- and J. Adair. A Christmas tree in charge of Mrs Haines proved an object of groat attraction to the young, who wore most solicitous iu making demands upon their parents for some article or other that they espied hanging temptingly from the branches. The refreshments wore under the charge of Mesdames Maynard, Scott, and Martin, assisted by a willing band of young ladies, including MissesDouovan, McCabe, Barry, Buchanan, Hayes, Vincent, Steele, Golding, Erskino, and Martin. The ladies were attired in pretty Japanese costumes, and were greatly admired as they ministered to the requirements of visitors to the cafe ehantant. The lattor proved a great draw, and for the modest sum.of sixpence one could listen to an excellent musical programme anj refresh ouesolf with a cup of tea, cocoa, - cakes, trifles, jellies, ice creams, claret cup, and a few other little things besides. We would advise everyone who goes to the fair to visit tho cafe chaotant. A post and telegraph office was in charge of Misses Foiris and Simson, and Messrs F. Bridges, R. Robb. A. Parkea, and B. Lucas, and an electrical display by Messrs Kemp and Stewart. Mr C. Hamilton is in charge of tho typewriting competitions. Misses O’Rorke and Breen were successful in inducing a great number of the visitors present to go in for a guessing competition with regard to the number of beans in a small bottle, whilst tho mysteries of the fortune-telling wore revealed by Mrs Mackrell, who had quite a host of callers during the evening. The fair was opened by His Worship the Mayor at 3 o’clock yosterday afternoon, when there wbs a large attendance. The speaker refeired to the effort that was being made by the City Band to raise funds for the purpose of building a band room. He wanted to moke a first appeal, and, that was that the fair could not be carried on without the publio according hearty support by sending goods for the stalls, suoh as produce, etc.; secondly, the public should support the fair by their presence. Tho Mayor paid a tnbuto to the worth of the City Band as one of the town’s institutions, and asked all to endeavor to make the function a groat success. The musical items given during the evening were much appreciated ' by visitors to the cafe ehantant. Tho club orchestra gavo several fine selections, and Mr Lichwark favored the audieoee with a violin

solo. Miss Bedstone sang with much success “ The Flight of Ages ” and “ Coming Thtough the Bye," and Miss Donovan p eased everyone by her rendering of *■ The Valley by the Sea.” Mr H. Hill was in great demand with his comic numbers, and made a great hit in “ My Gal’s

a High Born Lady ” and “ Oh Mother.” Mr Owon sang “ Davy Jones’ Locker ” in good style. Further attractions were provided in the form of several fanoy dances by the pupils of St. Mary’s Convent, These included the cachuca, fisherman’s hornpipe, and maypole dances, and needless to add the young ladies went through their work in a finished manner. Miss Harding and Mastor Bright, two of Misß Gray’s pupils, gave a clever Irish jig, and the pupils of the Gisborne sohool added to the programme with musical dumbell and wand drill exercises. Misses Adams, Neild, and Mr Gittoe played; the accompaniments during the evening. A Bide Bhow that we must not omit to mention was the stocks for unruly visitors. This wi s in charge of Messrs Loomb and Skipworth, who, dressed in policeman’s uniforms, deemed it advisable to " run in ” several good-natured individuals, including a well-known travelling representative for a Soutborn brewery, and these gentlemen were obliged to find bail before they were released. A plot was on foot to capture the Times representative, but he retreated to tho Cafe Chantant, where he remained until the coast was clear. There was a crowded attendance at the fair during the evening, and the takings amounted to upwards of £6O, £25 being taken at tho door. The Gisborne Rifles Band kindly volunteered their services, and after marching from East’s corner they played a number of selections outside the hall, Bandmaster McKiliop beiDg in charge. The fair will be open this afternoon and evening, and will close to-morrow evening.