THE WESLEYAN BAZAAR

Marlborough Express, Volume IV, Issue 202, 6 November 1869, Page 5

THE WESLEYAN BAZAAR

For some months past the ladies of this locality, belonging to all denominations, as well as many friends in the sister Provinces, have been engaged in preparing and procuring, by every means in their power, a quantity of useful and ornamental articles for a Bazaar, with the ultimate object of erecting a minister’s residence. On Monday morning last, by dint of arduous efforts on the part of the Committee, the Council Chamber was gaily decked out for the purpose by noon, when the doors were opened and the room immediately crowded by a large assemblage, including many persons from a distance. The Rev. R. L. Vickers opened the proceedings by stating that the Wesleyan Conference having decided that this should be a station for a married minister, it became necessary that a residence should be provided for him. He could not say who might be his successor, but whoever it might be he would require a house. His Honor Mr. Eyes ad promised to open the Bazaar, but had been prevented from doing so by circumstances over which he had no control, and Dr. Muller had kindly cons nted to take his place. S. L. Muller, Esq., R.M., said that he had not anticipated being in his present position, but owing to the absence of his Honor the Superintendent he had come there at the eleventh hour to assist the present desirable object as far as his interest would go. He felt much pleasure in the scene before him, and could congratulate his friends who were present on the greatly improved state of Blenheim. Its appearance was widely different twelve years ago, when he first arrived here. It was then known as the Beaver, though now claiming a name of higher When he came here there was butLiffiO building, and that was occupied by some Very queer characters—old whalers, Maoris, &c., whose yells and blasphemous language was horrible to hear A great moral, as well as material change had taken place—Blenheim now contained three Churches besides the Wesleyan Chapel, which was a very substantial building, and highly creditable to that body. He considered the Churches, independent of their sacred character, as a great improvement to the town. Something more, however, was yet wanting—a residence for their minister—and he felt sure that he could see a very favorable answer to their present appeal in the gay scene before him. He did not intend to trouble them with a long speech, but could assure them that his present duty was much pleasanter than his usual occupation on Monday mornings, when he had to listen to the squabbles of other folks, and the arguments of the lawyers, till his head frequently ached. He wished the Wesleyans all possible success, and concluded by declaring the Bazaar duly opened, The Misses Budge, accompanied by Mrs. Kissling on the pianoforte, and Mr.' Hoskins on the violin, then sung the National Anthem. During the remainder of the evening also they added greatly to the entertainment of the visitors by performing a variety of lively music at intervals. We should have liked to describe the whole of the stalls, and give a full and concise description of their various contents, but we never before felt so much the truth of the saying that “ comparisons are odious,’’since every stall vied with its neighbours in elegance and beauty of display. Their contents consisted of a large assortment chiefly for ladies’ and children’s wear, knitted,

crochet, and wool work, sofa cushions, stools, framed drawings, photographs, toys, baby linen, worked slippers, smoking caps, dolls, bead and wax baskets, and an endless variety of fancy goods. The stalls were presided over by the following ladies :—No. I.—Mrs. Rose, assisted by Mrs. Wall; No. 2.—Mrs. Vickers, assisted by Mesds. Morley and V. Hewitt; No. 3. —Mrs. C. Davis, assisted by Mesds. Pyke and T. Davis ; No. 4.—Mrs. Danes. A refreshment stall was presided over by Mrs. Hewitt, the tables of which were kept well supplied by the friends with substantial viands, &c., which was liberally patronised by the visitors. On Wednesday evening a promenade Concert was given in the room in aid of the funds by the members of the Philharmonic Society. Too much praise cannot be given to the Committee, especially the ladies who have bestowed so much labor and care on the undertaking, which is the first of the kind ever held in Blenheim. The proceeds were as follows :—■ Monday, £B7 ; Tuesday, £24; Wednesday, £29, A clearing-out sale of goods left unsold atj the Bazaar is to commence this morning at ten; o’clock, and continued during the day. |