THE WESLEYAN BAZAAR.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 111, 8 October 1874, Page 2

THE WESLEYAN BAZAAR.

The continuation of the bazaar projected in aid of the funds for defraying the cost of the erection of the Sabbath school in connection with the Durham street Wesleyan Church, was opened formally to-day in the Oddfellows’ Hall, by Mr R. J. S. Harman, the Deputy-Superintendent, the Superintentendent himself being prevented from attending, owing to his engagements in Timaru to open the new Borough School there. Some time since the greater part of the ladies engaged in the present bazaar succeeded in raising £BOO by similar means, and there now remains another £BOO to clear off the debt.

The hall, under the skilful superintendence of Mr Ballantyne and a staff of assistants, has very prettily decorated both with flags and evergreens, whilst the various stalls bear marks of taste and elegance in the arrangement of the goods. Shortly after eleven a.m. Mr R. J. S. Harman rose and delivered the following speech, which was received with much applause “ Ladies and Gentlemen, —We are met hereto-day for the purpose of endeavouring to raise a fund through the efforts of the ladies of your congregation, for discharging the debt of about £BOO still remaining upon your Sunday school building. In this endeavour, as a member of another denomination, I heartily wish you success. We (the denominations) are too much in the habit of regarding each other as opponents rather than workers in the same good cause, and I think that co-operation, such as I have adverted to, if more frerpient, might greatly tend to remove some of the barriers now existing between us. But few remarks are necessary as to the importance of the obj ect you have in view. No one attaching importance to religious education can underrate the value of the opportunity afforded by the Sunday schools. The necessity of turning this to account is more manifest than ever, now that the system of education in Government schools is undenominational ; not that I admit that system, as is often incorrectly stated, to be a godless system, but because, with it in existence, the denominations must avail themselves of every opportunity of religious teaching on those points to which they attach special weight. lam sorry that the Superintendent is not here himself to take part on this occasion; but I am sure I may safely express on his behalf, his hearty good wishes for the success of any work having for its object the promotion of the religious education of the young. I now declare this Bazaar open.”

Entering the hall, and having propitiated the janitor by the pro Her of a coin, the first stall attracting attention is that presided over by Mesdames M ‘Caldon, Mein, Haines, and Dunson. The luncheons provided here are of so tempting a character that no one can pass without calling in and patronising the smiling hostesses. Then there is the bachelors’ stall, and the Rev G. Bond and Mr Mouldey represent the unfortunate single portion of the community. However, they have managed to press into the service some very efficient aids in the shape of Mrs and Miss Aldred, who to-day ably carried out their duty, Mr Bond and Mr Mouldey assisting. On this stall is displayed a tempting assortment of millinery, children’s clothing, toys of various kinds, and a novelty in the shape of locally manufactured statuary, which is very well executed, and marked at very low prices. This stall is a double one, and is filled to repletion with an endless variety of articles. The Bible class stall, presided over by Miss Bourn and the ladies of the class comes next, and completes the line of stalls on the left hand side of the Hall. This stall is noticeable for the profusion of fancy needlework of all kinds. Here are some beautifully ornamented work tables and cushions contributed by Miss Ballantyne, and also slippers, coseys, smoking caps, &c; the production of the needles of several of the young ladies. Besides this, there is displayed an assortment of goods sent specially from England and Scotland for this bazaar, of unique description, and which have been marked at such reasonable prices as can hardly fail to ensure a rapid sale. The stall—or rather series of stalls—occupying the upper end of the Hall, is under the joint supervision of Mesdames Gould and Ballantyne and Miss Wheeler. At this stall the display is dazzling. Jewellery of all kinds, most intricate and involved patterns in embroidery, tatting, crochet, and all other devices' for employing the fingers of Ladies, perfumery, and a quantity of other articles, are to be found on this stall, which looks remarkably well, the arrangement of the wares being exceedingly tempting. Beyond this, again coming towards the door, is the 2s fid stall, where articles can be purchased at this price. This stall is presided over by Miss Peacock and Miss Thornton ; the next one, the teachers’ stall, having Mesdames Thornton and Ritchie in command. This stall has a capital assortment of goods of all kinds. Mr Seagar, the Wizard, delights his audiences in the back room at the rear of the hall. To-night the bazaar will be open, and during the evening some musical pieces will be rendered.