The Old English Fair

Horowhenua Chronicle, 24 October 1912, Page 2

The Old English Fair

OPENED BY THIS MAYOR OF LEVIN. PRETTY SPECTACLE IN THE CENTURY HALL.

The Oldo Englyshe Fiiire, which lias been looked forward to with so much interest for many weeks past, was formally opened in the Century Hall yesterday afternoon by the Mayor of Levin (Mr 13. R. hardener). As a result of the function, which is also open to-day, it is hoped that a substantial -urn will ho raised to wipe off certain liabilities in connection with the Anglican Church. Tn the course of a short practical address, the Mayor took the opportunity of pointing out that during the last fifteen years the church in Levin had raised between £4,000 and £5,000 and, in commending the self-sacri-ficing efforts of those who had laboured so earnestly on behalf of the Old English Fair, ho expressed the hope that in the future all who pro feseed and called themselves churchmen would extend their practical holp to tho Vicar in carrying out his many and pressing duties. Despite the wet weather thoro was a fairly large gathering at the opening ceremony, and a number of bright selections, hy tlie admirable Boys' Training Farm band, which was kindly lent by •Major G. M. Burlinson (manager), were much appreciated. The interior of the Century Hall was very prettily arranged, the old English dresses of tho stall holders, and the quaint signs exhibited over the stalls, made up an interesting picture of "ye olden tymes," while « huge Christmas tree arranged on the stago, and thronged with all kinds of suitable Christmas presents, and some rarge coloured Chinese lanterns, formed a novel feature of the fair. Including the Christmas tree, there were nine stalls, all effectively entwined with ivy and roses, which sot them off to advantage. Tlie plain art and fancy stall was in charge of Mrs Howell, Mrs Bignall. Miss 'Malcolm and Mrs Perkins. Tt was stocked with n profusion of dainty articles anil tho art sign was a caricature bf a painter at his easel. Tlie kitchen stall was in charge of Mrs Dnvies. Mrs Duckworth, Mrs Gapper, Mrs E. TFS. Smith. Here every utensil in the culinary art was in evidence, and a striking art sign was » "comic cut" of a chef amongst his pots and pans. Miss Ambler mid Mrs Mc'N'ickle superintended the 'Kerchief fttall, which contained a. surprising variety of men's And ladies handkerchiefs. The men's fitell was in command of Mrs J. G. Hankins and Mrs Stuart Mackenzie, and may be well described as a useful, sensible stall, essentially suitable for men. The Sweet Stall was very tastefully set out with choice baskets of sweets in abundance. This was Tn charge "of the Misses Davies, Miss Marjorie Hitchingts and Miss Matier. A feature of the stalls was the Children's Candidates' Stall, which took the form of a long h*ootl} bordered

with greenery, with a uniquo frame to enclose the pretty faces of the children, who looked very neat in their dresses of Hue and white sateen and muslin. Mrs Hoklaway and Mrs Remington (assisted by the candidates) had charge of this stall. The Flower Stall was elegantly constructed by Mrs Lodge and Mrs Wallis, who were its superintendents. It took the form of an anti<iuo bower with green lattice windows, flanked on either side b.\ choice collections of arum lilies. Last, but by no means least, was the Produce Stall. Here was to he found every kind of garden produce from the honest looking cabbage to the rosy-faced tomato. Dining the day a roaring trade was carried on at this stall, which was ui eharge of 'Mrs Clark. Mrs Butt, Mrs Koodwell and Mrs Marriott. The Christmas tree and fishponds proved a great attraction, especially to those of tender years. Above the fish ponds was suspended a painting of a huge fish by Mr W. Harding, with the words below. "A Sprat to Catch a Mackerel." This is a brief outline of what is a very effective spectacle, and the small charge For admission will be thoroughly repaid by an inspection of the nattily arranged stalls, and the many quaint audi novel features

which form part of the Fair. The sign paintings of Mr R. Tennant deserve n word of special commendation. Tn connection with other features of the fair it should be said that the concert room is in charge of Mrs Outfield and Mrs Matthews is kindly acting as accompanist. Those responsible for the various details have made full and complete arrangements for a series of competitions, including men's hat trimming and ladies screw driving competitions, and Mrs R. R. Gardener is in charge.

The tea rooms are charmingly set out and are in charge of Mrs Park. Mrs Matier, Mrs Abraham, Mrs Hansen and Miss M. Hitchings.

The Vicar (the Nov. S. Ci. Complon, M.A) hriefly opened the proceedings. Ho said that there was one stall he wished, without in any way making an invidious distinction, to mention and that was the Children's Candidates' Stall. The girls were mourners of a class which hud heen in charge of Mrs ITolclaway and iVfr.s. Tlemington for many years past, and was a survival of the Girls' Friendly Society. The majority of the useful and pretty articles they s>aw on the stall were the work of the candidates themselves. The Mayor, who was cordially received, having thanked the Vicar for asking him to open the Fair, said that lie recollected the time when the church was held in the school room in the days when the school room was a very small one indeed. Hy and hy .an agitation arose for a permianont ehurch. with the result, that there was erected on the existing site their present sacred edifice---St. Mary's Church ("applause). Since then many additions had heen made to the church, schools had heen huilt. and a vicarage erected. Some £"2000 had heen expended on the church — the huilding, .additions and furnishings- and when they took ; nto consideration the fact that during the past iifteen or sixteen years no less than £1000 or CoOOO had hoMi raised through the efforts of churchmen in Levin, he thought the ycould legitimately congratulate on their energy. The outcome of those years' lahonrs had found the church indohted only to the extent of £200. In view of the nhstacles with which they had heen confronted, the difficulties they had had to surmount, he thought they could congratulate themselves upon the sinallness of their dehi. (Applause). By means of that fair they hoped to wipe away, it not all, at least the greater proportion of it, and so give the Vicar and his zealous workers renewed encouragement to prosecute the work of the ehurch. The success of the function all depended upon what use they made of their spending powers and he hoped and trusted that all would, so far ns their means would allow, demonstrate in a tangihle way their appreciation of the Vicar's work, and the self-sacrificing and conscientious lahnurs of all those who had participated in arranging that most interesting function. (Loud applause). The .Mayor then declared the Fair open.

So far, in spite of tlie somewhat inclement weather, the Okie TCnglyshe Fay re has been a pronounced success. Last night the. 'Century Hall was crowded from floor to gallery, with a typical happy crowd of fathers, mothers, uncles, cousins: families of tens and dozens. The congestion was somewhat relieved hy tlie exit of Til) to the concert room. Here. a. varied programme was given, including a duet hy Mrs Hankins and Miss Marjorio Hi tellings, a quartette hy four Quakeresses in fancy costume, a humorous recitation, entitled "Rubie." hy the Rev. A. G Randerson, and a- trio, "The Three Old Maids of Lee." The host of these items will he reproduced at the combined concert and competition evening on Thursday next, the 31st inst., at the Century Hall. In the main hall the stalls hummed with busy purchasers. The children gave three performances during the evening in different costumos. First a polka, accompanied hy the Boys' Training Farm halid. Second same a. charactor song, entitled "Dame Burden's Children." Last of all they danced the well-known "Sir Roger do Coverley." Hat trimming, cake judging, and quoits competitions took place during the evening. A large attendance, is expected fhis afternoon and to-night. iiMi'jpmi ntntmma