STAR SPANGLED BAZAAR.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 October 1918, Page 1

STAR SPANGLED BAZAAR.

OPENED YESTERDAY

The Drill Shed presented a very-gay and attractive scene yesterday afternoon when the Star Spangled Bazaar was opened. Many workers had been busy for a long time, past in preparing for the gathering, and as a result there was a great amount of goods ol every description, the several stalls being loaded with articles* to 'tempt, the visitor and to add to the funds. The attendance in the afternoon was large and good business was reported. The various stall holders, and their assistants were as follows:

Xo. 1 Ladies' Stallplain and fancy work.—Mrs Toomey, Mrs Shaw and Mrs G. Diedrich; Misses T.ourke and Mandl. No 2. Ladies Stall; plain and fancy work.—Mesdames W. Keller, T. Stickles G. Hatch, AV. Jeffries, and Milner; Misses Williams, Ward (2), and Dale (2). Produce Stall.—Mrs Devaney, -Mrs Dale; Misses Jones. Daly and Murphy. Men’-s Stall. —Messrs F. Groufski, S. Brand, D. Dee, J. Devaney, M. McGovern, L. Dwa,n, J. Shine and T. Meenan. , hoi lie Stall— Misses if. Keller and K. Foster assisted by Misses Stopfortli and Kortegast. Fish Pond.—. Masses Stephens and Krakowski, assisted by Masters 11. .Tones, J. Keller, W. Stickles, and I-. Groufski.

OPENING CEREMONY

There was a large gathering present at the Drill Shed when the open:iig eerinonv took place. Proceedings opened with’ a verse of the National Anthem The Rev. Father Clancy in his open ••<*. remarks said his address would be brief ns lie. would introduce the several speakers, lie would ask the Mayor to speak and the lion. Mr Michel, Mr. Ward and liis Lordship the Bishop who would open the Bazaar Mr. G. A. Perry, (Mayor) said the oension was not one for speeches. It would he more to the point to get on with the business of the bazaar. Ihe quality of giving was a wide one ot innitv aspects but it was one in which all could do their part. Ho was not a judge .hut be had been informed that tlie needlework and fancy work displayed was very tine and lie was sure the stall-holders, would have a busy time. They were honored in having their Bishop with them and he hoped his stay would have proved a pleasant one oven in spite of the weather. He wished the bazaar the success that it deserved. . . ... . Hon. H. L. Michel joined with the Mayor iu wishing the Bazaar every success. and that it would ensure the completion of their church,, which was such a fine one and showed that the people have confidence in the future of the district. Its completion would enable them to carrv on their work when the war is ended and prosperity again comes to us. He complimented the stall holders on the gallant array they had and trusted their efforts would be successful. Some 25 years ago when Mayor of the town he had been present at the opening of a similar bazaar in that hall which had boon a record success and that record had not yet been broken and be hoped that on this oceasion their success would enable them to break the earlier record. Mr. B. Ward, (County Chairman) joined in expressing his groat pleasure at being present at the opening of the Bazaar. Thy were fortunate in having his Lordship present. The Bnzaar was held for a worthy object, to raise money for the church fund to pay off the debt and add to the completion of that fine/ 1 structure that was such a land mark m

tlu> town. The church was an ornament to the town and an emblem ot love and the Christian faith. If they had listened to the teachings of the Christian church more, there would have been no great war in progress today. Ho trusted- that the Bazaar would prove a very successful .one and that plenty of money would be raised bv the many willing workers as a result of their efforts. His Lordship Bishop Brodie said bis first words would be to acknowledge the kind compliments passed by the Mayor and Hon. Mr. Michel. He was pleased to find that their interest in the work was such that though busy umn toy could find time to be present and he thanked them for their attendance and remarks. In this connection it would not be out of place to congratulate Mr Michel on the honor recently bestowed on him and to trust that he will do much good work that will prove to the advantage of the West Coast. Referring to the bazaar the speaker said they had to thank Father Clancy for much in regard to their church. When Father Clancy had come here some nine years ago and saw the wannness of the people, and saw the greatness of the future of the district he felt that they must build a church that would be fitting to the future of Hokitika. He was fully satisfied that Tlokliika was not spent and that it would have a good future. In South Westland they had a country second to nonejii New Zealand and when it was settled and properly opened up, Hokitika will reap the prosperity that is sure, to come. The object of the Baza i- was to raise funds to pay off the cost of the erection of the church, which had cost £4,400, and on which there was still a debt of £2OOO. It was their wish that as much as was possible he wiped off this indebtedness in the present effort. At this juncture his Lordship referred to the work of Father Clancy in raising funds, and gave an instance ot bo\v a child hacl swallowed a threepenny piece. A doctor was sent for hut could not recover it, and then, as a last resouce they sent for the priest, with the remark that it he could not get it back then it was a goner. He did not know if tho priest was Father Clancy, (laughter). His Lordship then proceeded to - congratulate the workers and stall holders on the exhibition they had made. There was much of good value and lie trusted that all would be gratified with the results of their efforts. He would conclude by wishing the Bazaar every success and declaring it duly open, (applause). Rev. Father Clancy thanked his Lordship and the other gentlemen lor their kindly remarks, hut smilingly denied being the priest referred to by his Lordship in the threepenny hit episode. At bis request a vote of thanks was accorded the various speakers, which was carried by acclamation.

The Bazaar was crowded to the doors last evening with a busy throng, the stall holders being kept busy through Out the evening, the takings for the day assuming very substantial proportions. A choice, musical programme was rendered during the evening. Pinaforte duet, Misses Daly and Giese ; song. Mr. Dan Roberts; song, Miss 1 Eileen Hatch; song, Mr. P. Fitzgerald; pianoforte duet, Misses Stopfortli and Hallidav; song, Air A. Giffney; song, Aliss AI. Jones; song, Air. Brand; pianoforte duet. Misses Devaney and Daly. All tlie performers were well received. TO-NIGHT AND TO-MORROW. The Bazaar was again opened this afternoon and will he continued this evening and to-morrow afternoon and evening when musical programmes will also lie given. Included in tonight’s programme will be songs by Airs Hunter, and -Messrs Aldridge, Fitzgerald and Brand. There will also be several instrumental items.