GARDEN FETE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 450, 4 February 1909, Page 3

GARDEN FETE.

Ideal weather favoured the garden fete held at All Saints’ vicarage, yesterday afternoon. The affair was very successful, both from a social and financial point of view. Tables, laden with choice edibles, were set out in the shade of the trees, and seats were comfortably arranged. The vicar and his wife, assisted by members of the Ladies’ Guild, are to be congratulated for the manner in which everything was arranged tor the comfort of patrons. In introduce ing Mr Newman, M.P., to formally open the function, the vicar refer.red to the social value of such a gathering which afforded an opportunity of meeting with all sects. He paid a tribute to the good work being done by the Ladies’ Guild. He said that Foxton wanted a push forward, and he hoped Mr Newman would be able to do this from his place in Parliament-

Mr Newman said it was a pleasure to come to Foxton to open the fete and sale of work on behalf of All Saints’ ChurchAfter passing through an election, with party feeling running high, and surrounded by men charged with the excitement of political warfare, it was pleasant to come in contact with those who quietly and unobtrusively, under the shadow of the church, were working for the spiritual and material good of their fellows. He had always thought that the three greatest professions under our social system were the clergy, medical, and the true statesman and politician. The church dealt with our highest spiritual needs and aspirations. The doctor cares for us in sickness, and is by our side at all the greatest issues of our lives ; we look to, and it is the duty of a politician and statesman to seek the betterment of all classes of the people without regard to his own advantage or advancement. He believed there was much in common between an earnest and -self-sacrificing clergyman, a keen and unselfish doctor, and an honest politician. All have the good of mankind at heart, each in bis separate sphere. Outside of these exists the greatest of all influences for good. It is to good women that the world owes much of that which is refined and sweet in life. Now-a-days it seems to be especially the work of women to aid the church in its work of enlightenment, of mercy and charity. It seems as if there were a quality in women which, as a magnet, draws them to help in every good cause. He was sure the women felt it a privilege to work for the noble church with which they are associated. There is, he said, no church in the world that has a more noble heart-stir-ring history than the venerable Church of England- And there was no church in the world that could provide a liturgy and service that will better meet the wants of men and women passing through life, with all its sorrows, and joys, and hopes, than the Anglican Church. He thanked the Vicar for the opportunity which he had given him of being present and stated that he had received nothing but kindness in Foxton- He was deeply interested in all that affects Foxton, and would always esteem it a pleasure to help so far as he could to bring it prosperity. He then declared the function open, amidst applause.

Mr Barnard thanked Mr Newman for his attendance, and also all others who had worked in the interests of the function. Afternoon tea was then served and a number of competitions were indulged in.

The various stall-holders were as follows ; Produce, Misses Creswell; tea and work stall, ladies’ guild. The competitions were under the able supervision ot Mrs Stewart. The prize for the three best potatoes exhibited wae won by Mr Bullard. The limerick competition was won by the vicar, and was as follows :

“ We are holding a church garden party, Where All Saints have a welcome most hearty.

A New-Man is here, Who favours no beer, And adds to the Saints of the party.” The animal drawing competition was won by Mr C. Collins.

An auction sale was held in order to dispose of the produce. The takings for the day amounted to oyer j£i4.