St Mary’s Fair and Sale of Work.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 December 1921, Page 1

St Mary’s Fair and Sale of Work.

OPENING CEREMONY. The Drill Hall yesterday afternoon presented, an animated appearance when the hour arrived for the formal opening of the above function. There being a very large attendance of tlie Public and well wishers in the Hall. The numerous stalls being laden with most costly and useful articles to which keen attention was paid throughout the afternoon and evening proceedings. shortly after 3 p.m. Rev. Dr Kennedy accompanied by His Worship the Mayor and the County Chairman ascended the platform and tho Reverend speaker in a few choice words outlined the history of St Mary’s since the very early days briefly sketching the original and intermediate constructions which had served as their Church up to the present structure at the same time paying a warm tribute to the devoted pioneer priests who had laboured in this parish in bygone days, specially dwelling Upon the labours and services rendered by tlie Late Dean Martin. The present edifice had been begun by the Rev. Father Clancy and but for the circumstances that pertained during the past four or five years would have been completed by him. Tt however fell the lot of the speaker to see the completion brought about and he felt sure that the very loyal support afforded him by the ' self-sacrificing band of workers that were there that day, would enable him to see the desired end accomplished. He wished to note the very ©rent assistance that had been extended to them by nil sections of the Community and' he trusted this good feel in© would continue for all tune He then asked his Worship to formally open the Fair. . The Mavor Mr Perry was received with applause and in speaking to the fathering, referred to the success that invariably attended the efforts from such a. function mentioning the fact that the Beautifying Association m its small way had recently netted the sum of £l6s' Me was quite sure that the present effort would largely surpass that amount. He jokingly warned them of the Government’s present impecunious state and hoped that Air Massey would not he looking them np for an amusement tax. He desired to eomn atulate them on the very fine display on view that day. It was certainly a credit to their efforts and organisation. The completion of: St. Mary’s would add to the beauty of the Town and in that respect all sections would share in tho progress such build-in,-,s meant to the community. Tt was an" evidence that the people desired more beautiful buildings in then- midst. The County Chairman was associated with him in the opening so he would ask that gentleman to complete his half of the duty being shared by them that day. He congratulated the committee and workers on tho results of their labours and wished tlie function every success. (Applause). The County Chairman Air Wait!, m a humorous speech referred to the fact that he had previously been associated with the Mayor in the opening of a similar function and strange to say he had stood on the plaitfrm with him on many other occasions at various functions and undertakings in this district as a whole. Tn functions of this kind it was always understood that one willing lady worker was equivalent to six men and ho was quite convinced that to-day's results proved this statement to he correct. (Applause). There was no gainsaying the fact that the com mittee owe their undoubted success to the ladies of the parish. He wished to note one very pleasing aspect of then undertaking and that was the tolerant spirit that prevailed throughout this district. All shades and sections had most generously supported the movement and such goodwill entering into their undertaking could not ho other than productive of good results. He would now declare his half of the entertainment formally opened and in doing so congratulated Dr Kennedy on his wiling band of workers and predicted a most successful result as a natural sequence to their efforts. (Applause). On behalf of the Committ© and stall holders, Air Jeffries moved » hearty vote of thanks to the ATayor and County Chairman for tlieir attendance which was carried by acclamation following on which the various stall holders keenly entered into the business part of their programme. The following stalls were open to display;—

Success stall, fancy goods.—Mrs Keller, Mrs Jeffrtes, Mrs E. Heenan,, Mrs (I. Coyle, Misses Ward (2), Jones, Daly. Foster and Stoba. Victory stall, fancy.—Mesdames Dale, McGavin, Toomev and Shaw, Misses Dale (2). Unique stall, fancy.—Mesdames Gilooly, Diedricli, Misses Bourke (2), Murphy, Beid, I’earn and Gillooly. Produce stalls.—Mesdames Dowling, Kavanagh. Wallace, Moyniha'n, Taminelli. Refreshment stall.—Mesdames Fane, Keenan, Cameron, Oliver and Miss Coyle. Sweet stall.—Mesdames Hatch, Knowles and Miss Giese. Fish pond and ’Xmas tree.—Misses Coral Fox, M. Devaney, and Mrs Groufsky. Side shows.—Messrs Dale, Ward, ()oles, Hannah, Do Lore, Dowling and Groufsky. Musical items.—The Lyric Concert Party, under Mr W. L. Joyce. TO-NIGHT. The Bazaar Was continued to-day and will t; openb to-night and every afternoon and evening.