Primitive Methodist Church.

Manawatu Herald, 1 December 1898, Page 2

Primitive Methodist Church.

SALE OF WORK AND PROMENADE CONCERT. The proceedings at the Methodist sale of work were opened yesterday at 8 o'clock (a fairly large number attending), with a hymn being sang by the choir, and a short prayer by the Rev. Mr WoollaßS, after whiob the rev. gentleman introduced Mr A. Fraser in a few appropriate words to open the sale. Mr Fraaer said he was deeply gen gible of the honor conferred Upon him, and regretted that the task had not fallen on more worthy shoulders. It was not his intention to make a apeeoh— the Rev. Woollass had said they did not expect one — for which he wa3 very thankful, as he believed ia brevity. He was in thorough sympathy with the object of the sale, and if there was any justification at all for ho'ding bazaars in connection with Churches (which was a very moot point), it would be when they were held to benefit Sanday Schools, as in 4 * the present instance. He be lieved that the next generation would be a better one morally and phyn oa'ly. He advised all present to buy early and often, and wished the ladies every success, hoping they would dispose of all the articles they had worked ?o long and arduously to prepare. He also was glad there wa« unanimity between the Churches in Fox-on. A3 shown by the number of members of other Churches being present, and bad much pleasure in

declaring the sale open. (Applause.) MrT. Westwood (Circuit Steward), said he had very little to say, as Councillor Fraser had already folly stated the object of the pale of work. Some people objected to these Church debts, but he Thought they were good things, and unless they bad these debts they would not be good Methjfc dists. It was his pleasing doty to move a very hearty vote of thanlr^j| to Mr A. Fraser, the comiL 0 jdayoTP* for * «.:.!.' :;c^ there and opening the sale f . .L (Applause.) Business was then carried on in real earnest at the work-stall, upon which a number of useful and ornamental articles were tastefully arranged. Conspicuous amongst tb^a^'j were some very pretty milking sttltt^" and plaque painted by Mrs Hamer ; a handsome cushion, with sprays of wattle, and a lovely panel with lilies painted by Miss Spring. This young lady also contributed a half moon plaque with poppies, which was much admired Mi?s Austin's paintings were two very pretty half-moon plaquas with tasteful sprays of briar rose and lilies, and we mast not omis to mention Miss Easton's pretty con* tribution of hand-painted tennis racquets—very pretty ornaments indeed. On this stall also Were displayed some nice dolls, one a bride beautifully dressed in the orthodox fashion by Miss Newth, and others in various fashionable costumes which did not fail to show the ingenuity of the Mi9se3 Simpson and Spring. Tkfti stall was presided over by Meadames Osborne, senr., and Woollass and these ladies did good business daring the afternoon and evening. In another part of the building a guessing competition of the weight of a whole 'sheep (dressed), given by Messrs Robinson's, and a nail-driving competition were going on under the supervision of the Rev. Mr Woollass and Messrs J. Walsh, Westwood and Morgan. The lucky winners of the sheep were Miss Ethel Howan and Mr 0. Austin, the former guessing 62lbs, and the latter 62Jlb, the correct weight being 62}lbs, both guesses being only a Jib out. There was also a bran tab in charge of Mrs Martin, which was a source of amusement to the younger folk, and from the number of musical (?) toys that were heard in and oat the building, quite a trade must have been made in "dips." .. Afternoon tea, a most agreeable beverage, and delicious cakes, jellies, etc , were dispensed in cosy little nooks artistically draped and deco. rated with flower-. Mrs T. Kyeand Miss Perreau presided at one table, the Miasas Austin at another table covered wi li,, d tiniiea, . Miss Newth reigning siphon at another table groaning with good thing*. All for the modest sum of sixpence one oould fill ibe iqnar man omfortably. During the evening the fun waxed fast and furious. The building was filled with a 1 denominations, who 1 seemed to bi there with the intention of getting riil of their monpy. By the way the stalls looked at the close we shou'd think they succeeded, for ilere was very little left on them.