ALL NATIONS’ FAIR.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2339, 4 November 1908, Page 5

ALL NATIONS’ FAIR.

AN AUSPICIOUS OPENING

.The new Garrison Hall in Fitzherbert Street was yesterday a scene of activity and excitement, the particular reason being tho opening of the great All- Nations’ Fair, a carnival in aid of the Church of England building fund. All day Monday and -yesterday morning there were deafening sounds of hammering and sawing, and busy Workers were hurrying hither and thither, each and all intent on the erection of their respective stalls, and the laying out of the goods in m manner that would conduce to their ready purchase by tho nono too eager buyer. out of 'this chaos order Was finally evolved, and at half-past two yesterday afternoon everything was ready for the opening. ' ' A ’ At tho appointed hour, the Rov. L. Dawson Thomas mounted the stage and in a brief speech congratulated the stall-holders bn the splendid show they were making. He thanked them lor their work, and wished the carnival all success. ‘ He then called on the Alayoress (Airs. W. D Lysnar) to declare the Fair open. Airs. L\'snar, in a few well-chosen words, declared the Fair open, and trusted that each stall-holder would do good business. She was then tho recipient of a pretty bouquet presented by a charming little girl!, Alias Enid Hooper. His Worship the Alayor (Air. W. D. Tysnar) being called upon, also added a few words of congratulation. The stalls wore then thrown open for business, and in a short period a lively trade was being done. The ice cream, soft drinks, and refreshment stalls, profiting by the warm weather, did a particularly good business. There was unfortunately rather too little ventilation in the hail, yestorday, and the atmosphere within was uncomfortably close. THE STALLS. . The stalls are thirteen in number, and are arranged around the walls, thus leaving ample space in the centre for visitors to move around. A number of seats are placed here and there, so that those who wish to rest may do so. As the name, All Nations’ Fair, implies, the utaUs aro arranged to represent different nationalities, and tho staid-holders are all attired according to tho nationality of their respective stalls. Each ©tail is prettily decorated with greenery, Hags, and other devices and, together with the quaintly-attired assistants, present a charming and picturesque appearance.

The first stall met with is Australia, presided over by Alisses BrookTaylor and Aylmer, assisted by Alisses Agnew-Brown and Carters. This is the senior fa 1103- goods stall, and is replete with goods of great variety. Scotland, in charge of Airs. E. 11. Alarm and Airs. J. W. WiYiams, comes next. This is a stall designed for those of the male persuasion, and contains a varied selection of pipes, tobaccos, cigarettes, as well as various lines in ties, shirts, and other useful articles. The assistants in this stfill .are Alisses K. AVD’.iams, Brtfdriek (2), Davis, and Williamson (2). Ataoriland is, as the name signifies, the Native stall. This is conducted by Brown Turei,. Pine Tamahori, P. Manaro, T. Katene, P. Hakiwai, and Hoke, students at Te Rail College. A large collection of Native goods is displayed, comprising fancy kits (flax libre, kiwi, and pigeon), ’flower pot stands, hat racks, comfortable deck chairs, handy hook shelves, and some humbler, but none the less necessary articles, such as soap-boxes, knife anil spoon boxes, and other utensils pertaining to kitchen use. These things have all been .manufactured by the students themselves, who have spared 6io time or trouble to produce satisfactory articles. There is also for sale a beautiful poutama ldt, .a rare and expensive article, and this should soon find a ready purchaser. There is further displayed an ancient Aiaori fish-hook, of which it is related in legeiuli’3’ that it was the identical hook which was used to fish up New Zealand from tho depths of the rolling Pacific. The stem of the hook is part of a human bone, and the barb is constructed from a very rare and beautiful quality of greenstone. Another pretty article is a Alaori waterproof coat, made from flax fibre. This and the fish-hook arc the property of Te Kani Pere. Many of the curios shown were sent from different parts of New Zealand, contributions having been received from the Northern, East Coast, and Wanganui Natives. Yo Old England, tho senior plain needlework stall, is under, the charge of Airs. F. J. 'Wilson and Mrs. Goflo. This stall contains a quantity of very fkio work, and includes a wide variety of .children’s and ladies’ ware. Alongside such useful articles as kitchen aprons, Dorothy pinafores, anil ladies’ dressing jackets, are shown children’s pretty drosses, fancy aprons, ladies’ underskirts, with beautiful! lace frills, frilled pillowcases, and many other things so dear to the feminine heart. France represents a very important part of domestic life, the kitchen. Here, under tho care of Airs. Kissling and hqr several assistants, is displayed all that is useful in tue preparation. of the daily meals. There are pots, pans, and kettles in profusion, and the stall is given au eminently kitchen-like appearance by the presence of a Shaddock stovo, on which is sifting several pots, containing, presumably, the essentials of a substantial! dinner.

The flower stall, Italy, is a bower of beauty, -and with the fine display of buttonholes, bouquets, and vase flowers, surrounded- by a mass of greenery, the casual visitor is sorely tempted to purchase. This ,stall is in charge of Mrs. Akroyd and Mrs. Kingston, assisted by Mrs. Houltain and Miss G. Akroyd.

Next to Italy is’ Ireland, surmounted, as are the other stalls, by its inati-onal flag. . This is a stall -that appeals more to the practical than tlie aesthetic side, for herein are displayed' the many products of the' Sand. There are fresh vegetables, eggs, .blitter, bottled/fruits, jams, preserved meats, dressed poultry, and an any more of those good tilings which contribute towards a wholesome dinner. The stall, is under the control' of , Mesdames Ellery and Lenta] 1. Holland represents tlie doll stall, under the charge of Miss Z. Williams and Miss Pyke. Here, it almost appears, are a. sufficient minibcr oi dolls to satisfy all the children of Gisborne. And they are of such variety that surely the most fastidious child would

be content with its choice. Dolls there are of all sizes, .all types, all colors, some dressed, some undressed, some plainly clad, others robed in garments like 111110 the coat of Joseph. __ And many a tiny maiden was made* happy last evening by the possession of one of these -dolls, chosen by herself with all the care and discrimination of a lady purchasing a new hat.

Switzerland, the junior plain needlework stall, is 'under the care of Miss Doleman, assisted by Alisses Beeson and Hawke, and here, again, are a variety of useful articles for feminine wear.

AVales is the junior fancy work stall and contains a quantity of goods which will no doubt fiiitl ready.>purchascrs among the Sadies. Aliss Black and Aliss Hingston are in charge, their assistants being Alisses Coleman and Tossland.

Japan,"the choir stall, is decorated wiJth numerous' Japanese lanterns, and a legend hearing the words “The Land of Cakes,’ and also „a largo sign representing a pipe organ. This stall is overflowing with toothsome dainties. There are cakes of many sizes and descriptions, tho whole being most appetising and inviting. The control of tho stall is undertaken by Aliss Wi.nclicombe, assisted by tho ladies of the choir.

The sweet stall, representing the* United States, is prettily draped with the Stars and (Stripes, and tho candies on sale are of a tempting variety. Tho duties of dispensing the sweets have been undertaken by Alisses AYilson anil Goffe (2). - Canada, under the charge of Airs. L. Dawson Thomas and Miss Crawford, is' the stall from which is sold ice-creams and soft drinks. Here the-thirsty visitor may moisten his parched throat, and as yesterday’s lioat largely contributed towards this condition, a thriving business resulted. Tho assistants at this stall are Alisses AValker, Gray, Robinson, Poswi’.lo, and Bush by.

0110 end of the hall is screened off as a tea room, and -here the weary visitor may he refreshed with delicious tea and cakes. Airs. F. B. Palairet is in control, and has a bevy of pretty maidens, charmingty dressed in white, as assistants*

Tho children are well provided' for with a Christmas tree, loaded with pretty to3's, which is under the care of the Alisses Barker (4). Airs. Nat. Hooper and Aliss Ton nicy, in* Swiss attire, have a branpie, wherein the juveniles may delve for mj'sterious brown-paper parcels: whilst those little ones who diaim the slightest relationship to Isaak Walton may, at Airs. Nicholl’s fishing pond, prettily esconsed in the shade of willow branches, hook toys of all descriptions. Airs. Nicliolls, it may be added, is quaintly attired as a Brittany fishwife. For the 3’outh .with the keen e\*e and a fancy for his markmanship there is a shooting gallert', which is in charge of Air. N. DeLautour. COAIPETITIOXS. The competitions, which were decided yesterday, were under the control of Airs. Arthur Ilees, assisted by Airs, lluby’ and Aliss Lewis. Some fine work was shown, but the competition was not keen. The following are the results: Shirt Blouse (amateur). —Aliss L. Beefe 1, Airs. A. Seymour 2. Fancy Blouse (amateur). —Afiss Wilson 1. Shirt Blouse (open).—Airs. H. Simeon 1. Fancy Blouse (open).—Airs. H. Simoon I. ■Blouse (giifs under 1G). —Aliss Al. DeLautour. Fancy' Work.—Airs. J. Langford 1, Airs. A. Carter 2, Aliss Taylor li.c. Fancy Cakes. —Aliss Aliller 1. Currant Cake. —Airs. H. B ack 1. Scones. —Aliss Doleman 1. Tartlets. —Airs. R. Johnston 1. Sweets. —Aliss Hingston 1. Jam. —Airs. F. Parker 1. Bottled Fruit. —Aliss Tucker, THE CONCERT.

The principal feature of the Fair last evening was the concert, which was held in the large orderly room, and attracted a crowded audience. The programme, though short, was excellently arranged ? and. the items were pleasingly varied. Mr. A. F. Kemiedy acted as organiser and stage manager, and the unqualified success of the entertainment was in large measure due to the capable and enthusiastic mamner in which he carried out his duties. The programme opoued with selections from “11 Trovatorc,” ‘splendidly played by the Gisborne Club Orchestra. Mr. W. Johnston Brown was the first vocalist, and his spirited singing of “The Yeoman's Wedding Song” found immediate faVor with the audience. Mr. J. C. E. Kissling’s fine tenor voice was hoard to excellent advantage in “Let Me Love Thee.” To Rangi Rai followed and gave the audience a rare treat by her faithful interpretation of Del Eeigo’s “Life’s Recompense.” The singer was in splendid voice, and in response to the imperative encore demanded, she gave Tosti’s “Good-bye,” which was also sung in a highly artistic manner. “The City of Light” (Stephen Adams) was the nlumber selected by Mr. C. Trafford-Reynokls, and his robust baritone voice was well suited to the number. Mr. W. Johnston Brown followed 1 with a clever 1 extravaganza, in the way of a sermon on the text “Old Mother Hubbard.” Mr. Brown possesses considerable elocutionary powers, and the inimitable manner in which he burlesqued the prosy preacher kept liis hearers in a simmer of merriment. As an encore, a Scotch recitation, “Bairnics, Cuddle Doon,” was given. This number was scarcely as successful, owing to the fact that the reciter pitched his voice in too low a tone to enablo those at the back of the hall to hear the words. Mrs. A. IF. 1 Kennedy sang very sweetly “The Miller and the Maid.” The programme concluded with the closing scene from the opera “The Mikado,” in which To Rangi Pai, as Katisha, sang. “Harts do not Break,” and Mr. A. F. Kennedy, as Kobo, sang “Tit Willow,” and; these vocalists joined 'in the duet “Derry, down Derry.” The clever acting and siiig.jing\of both artists in this scene recalled pleasant memories of their performances in the; opera some years ago. Mr. Harold Piper played the accompaniments in an artistic manner.

This afternoon the students from Te Ran College will give a demonstration, including hakas, pci dances, and the famous spear dance." The demonstration will 'probably, be repeated in the' evening. In the evening afso, Mrs, T. H. Woods will give a children’s entertainment, comprising songs,

fancy dances, juvenile nigger minstrels, etc. Tlio scene last evening, with the large crowd moving about, and the qua in tly-dressed stall-holders’' flitting hither and' thither, supported by .the gaily-decorated stalls as a background, was am animated one, and the enthusiasm displayed by aX connected with the Fair augurs well for its success. The ladies have spent many months in preparing their goods, and great credit is dut to them for -the excellent displays they have made. Much praise is due to the vicar (Rev. L. Dawson Thomas), and to the bon. secretary (Mr. W. H. Powell) for the energies they have displayed, and which has added materially to yesterday’s auspicious opening.