MARTON.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 45, 2 December 1871, Page 6

MARTON.

(FROM OUli OWN CORRESPONDENT.) PRESBYTERIAN BAZAAR. The bazaar in aid of the funds of the Presbyterian Church in this township was held on Wednesday and Thursday last in the Town Hall, and was a great success, the place being crowded each day; and, taking into consideration the hardness of the times and tightness of the money market, principally caused by the unfavorable state of the weather during the last harvest, the supporters of the Presbyterian Church came out uncommonly well upon this occasion. For some days past the committee had been busy decorating the hall, cartloads of evergreens having been used for this purpose, and the residents in the township and the settlers around seat in contributions of glass, crockery, &c. It is only just to say that the committee displayed both judgment and taste in the management of the decorations, and succeeded in their endeavor to provide for the comfort and accommodation of their numerous visitoi's. Running round the building, and looped up with ribbons in front of all the stalls, were white muslin curtains. At night the dark foliage of the evergreens was seen to great advantage by the light of the numerous lamps, a,nd produced a very pleasing effect. The arrangements altogether were very good, and a credit to those who took an active part in them. I must not forget to mention soma watercolor sketches hanging against the walls, illustrations of the places visited by the Hon Mr Fox during his late tour in Europe, and executed by that gentleman. At the close of the bazaar they were offered for sale byauction, and realised good prices. With respect to the articles exhibited on the stalls, it is not too much to say that their name was legion, and that it is impossible to give a detailed account of them. In one respect they differed materially from the articles usually exhibited at bazaars, many of them, especially those which were brought by the Halcione, being of great value. The Presbyterians have evidently many good and earnest supporters at home when they can produce at a colonial bazaar such an assortment of goods as were exhibited here on Wednesday and Thursday last, and sold at a more moderate figure than they would have been in many a fancy repository in town. There was such a quantify of embroidery, wool-work, &c, that an intending purchaser would have much trouble in deciding upon the particular article which might please his fancy, and too much praise cannot be given to the ladies for their exertions in the good cause. In the evening an auction was held by Mr Coleman, and most of the remaining goods disposed of. The proceeds altogether amounted to £234, a pretty good sum for a small place like this. It is expected the Presbyterian Church will be opened for Divine Service in about a month. OPENING OP THE WANGANOT BRIDGE. Marton and its neighborhood will be almost deserted this week, conveyances of every description being laid on to take passengers to the above. It was at first expected that the whole of the volunteers would go, but some of them have not been able to get their uniforms in time. I believe, however, that the cavalry, numbering about 80, the cadets about 30, and the Marton band will go, the latter being engaged to play at the ball given to the Governor.