THE OPENING.

Manawatu Herald, 9 December 1897, Page 2

THE OPENING.

Much regret was expressed at the 1 receipt of a telegraud from* the Key. B. Young that owing to his attend-

ance at the Synod being necessary, he would be unable to be present. Bather too much had been left in^ the matter of arrangements for the opening to him, so that his absence left the ceremony eitremely bald, and lacking in the enthusiasm that helps to make things move. At half-past two the

Mayor ascended the stage and asked the audience for their atten* tion. He said he had been ask*! to introduce Mr John Stevens, M.H.8., who had been requested by the Churchwardens to open the Fair. Mr Stevens had shown his readiness to forward the intarestf of the town by readily consenting to act and had this morning travelled from Wellington for that purpose. He was unable to take up much of their time in dealing with Mr Stevens good nature as that gentleman had to leave by coach that afternoon, so he had to cut all speaking short. Be* fore calling upon Mr Stevens he bad to present to the Ladies Guild a handsome gift (a large red plush lady's workboz) from that gentleman which be had brought up with. him from Wellington (applause.) He now called upon Mr Stevens to speak. Mr John Stevens, who on rising was received with applause said, Mr Mayor, ladies and gentlemen, it had afforded him very great pleasure in being asked to attend and open this bazaar. He desired to direct the youug people and especially the boys to the object of this bazaar. It was to obtain funds for a Sunday Sohool. Though he did not intedd to refer to hia earlier career, "it was his experience that those who did not attend to the requirements of the church made a serious mistake. It was one of God's blessings the high oivilisa* tion we had, and he therefore ex* horted young men and lads to do all they could to help the ladies, and that when the building was erected he hoped men would be turned, out who would be a credit qtstrict and who would also help^P maintain the church. He suggested youths reading good and valuable works, such as Gladstone's on the church, and by so doing they would become, what they would like the ladies jfa think of them— manly. He thought "> the ladies of Foxton deserved gr.ei^ cred.it and our best thanks foc-ife energy they had displayed in brfaging such a fine show together.^ ;ft declaring the Bazaar open ne hanlte)l to the officials a permit from the Hon. the Colonial Secretary authorising the holdiug of raffias, which they had asked for. (Applause.) The Mayor then moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Stevens for attending, which was duly carried, and Mr Steveps again thanked them for ifc, and expressed the pleasure he would always have in forwarding similar good work.

A number of lads and lassies then sang very nicely " The Fair," Mra England playing the accompaniment.

Mrs F. Young's small dancers then gave the Maypole dance, Miss Stansell being at the piano.