ST. MARY’S BAZAAR.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5042, 20 October 1926, Page 2

ST. MARY’S BAZAAR.

SPLENDID DISPLAY OF WORK. STALLS TASTEFULLY ARRANGED. The annual bazaar and sale of work conducted by the members .and friend’ of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Paeroa, opened at the Gaiety Theatre, yesterday afternoon, and is being continued to-day and this evening. A transformation scene hasi been effected to the interior of the theatre, where* giant nika,u palms and lycopodium have been tastefully arranged round the walls, stalls, and down the centre of the building. On the right as one enters is the jumble stall, under the charge of Misses Taylor (2). Ryall (2), S. Gordon, E. Poland, and V. Charlesworth. Further down is, another stall, where works of art are displayed a,nd the public are invited to try their luck. The. plain and fancy stall, which is situated on the opposite side of the room, is in the hands of Mesdames G. H, Taylor, A. D. McGuire, W. P. Pennell, J. McClinchy, and E. Shaw, junr. On this stall are many articles of" all descriptions suitable for gifts, the work being a distinct’ credit to. those who laboured ■many long hours to produce such pretty a,nd dainty articles. For those, who are in search of sweets and tasty novelties a visit to the sweets stall will reveal a wonderful collection o&* toothsome edibles. Mrs C. Nielsen and. Miss M. Treanor and the children of the Convent are experiencing a busy time in attending to the requirements of the eager purchasers. The lucky dip and bran tubs, in charge of Miss L. G-oonan, were the centre of attraction for young folk, and many weird and wonderful things were obtained as a result of their small investments.

After an interesting time spent round the stalls a haven of rest is. to be found in the supper-room adjoining, where small tables, daintily set, are arranged in a bower of greenery. Those in charge, of the tea, rooms are Mesdames W. Armour, P. Carthy, J. P. Mitchell, J. Verran, Berkhout, and the Misses Pippin (2) and assistants*. THE OFFICIAL OPENING. Last night the bazaar was formally opened by His, Worship the Mayor (Mr W. Marshall). In introducing the Mayor to the large crowd assembled the Rev. Father Dunphy sajd that among Mr Marshall’s many traits which merited esteem at large was; the sacrifice of himself to public affairs. Such s,elfsacrifice and willingness at all times to assis.t along the work of the community redounded to his. credit and esteem. Father Dunphy explained that the object of the bazaar wasi to raise money to liquidate the debt on St. Mary’s Church. Many hundreds of pounds had been spoilt on the buildings, and the money had been circulated locally. Because of that his church people looked to the public for support, which had been readily forthcoming. A bazaar afforded the community a ; n opportunity to meet on common ground and to foster the true community spirit. The workers in the church were few, but they were remarkably enthusiastic and enterprising, and tod high a tribute could not be paid to their efforts. He also expressed his thanks and appreciation for the help and support received from outsiders. The manifestation of the community’s ■ goodwill towards the Church was- clearly indicated, and he hoped the function would be, successful and the goodwill retained. In replying to the welcome and kind references made by Father Dunphy the Mayor said that it afforded. him pleasure to he in attendance and associated with the congregation’s effort on behalf of their church. He always retained pleasant memories of Father Dunphy’s remarks at a former church bazaar in reference to himself. A mayor did not always, receive kind words, and while engaged in public life, one was bound to* offend someone. However, he made an earnest endeavour to work for the good of the common weal, and trials and difficulties tended to make men better and broader. He reciprocated fully the expi’essir ns of goodwill mentioned by Fathe,r Dunphy. In spite of many pitfalls, and often abuse, he was certain that nothing good was ever really lost. He congratulated the church on the splendid work it had performed on the grounds and buildings, and said because of that enterprise the claim on the support of the community was, indeed, ,a ju®t one. He believed that people were becoming less individualists and were beginning to realise the need for cooperation and mutual support to ensure better and happier times. A special tribute was due to the women workers, on whom the lion’s; share of the work of a bazaar usually fell, The bqautiful array of articles that met the gaze,in the building bore eloquent testimony to their capabilities and self-sacrifice. He hoped the effort would meet with unbounded success; and amidst prolonged applause he declared the bazaar formally opened. MUSICAL PROGRAMME.

Following the official opening a delightful programme of songs and dances wa.s dispensed by the Convent children. The first item was an action soiig entitled “Heads and Heels” by the senior boys. A novelty dance was cleverly performed by a number of little girls representing dolls. Master Carl Nielsen won well-deserved applause for his violin solo, as algo did the junior girls in an action song, “Grandmother’s Old.” With Mrs W. Pennell at the piano> the senior girls staged a dajnce entitled “The Irish Washerwoman.” The characters and costumes were well maintained, and the maniie;r in which the intricate steps, were mastered reflected grea,t credit on the performers. The next item was a sneezing chorus by the boys, and apart from the humorous actions the voices blended perfectly. The senior girls appeared again, dressed in white, and performed some clever evolutions in their exhibition of scarf drill. A character song entitled "Mrs Brown’s Luggage,” in which Miss V. Ellis and Masters F. Harvey and C. Nielsen played the

principal parts, was well done and warmly applauded. One of the star items of the entertainment was a ballet dance by the girls entitled "Children’s Dream of Flowerland.” Not only were the dresses very pretty and dainty, but each girl performed her part with accuracy and precision, the' whole performance being as novel as it was pretty and clever. Considerable credit is/ due to the Sisters of St. Mary’s Convent for their skill and painstaking efforts in training the children. A special word of praise is also due to Miss C. L. Taylor, who acted as accompanist and by her personality inspired the wee tots to face the audience and perform their parts,