BAZAAR AT THE ODD FELLOWS’ HALL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5013, 18 April 1877, Page 2

BAZAAR AT THE ODD FELLOWS’ HALL.

A bazaar was opened at the Odd Fellows’ Hall yesterday in connection with the Primitive Methodist Church. There is a debt of £250 on the new church in Sydney-street, which for some time past the congregation have been endeavoring to wipe off, and the idea of a bazaar suggested itself as being the most efficient means. The ladies of the congregation have been exceedingly busy for many months, and the results of their efforts have been supplemented by liberal assistance from others outside the connexion, so that a really fine display of goods was yesterday presented to the public view. Generally the stocks of the various stalls are made up of <ha thousand and one articles which generally find a place in such collections, hut in several instances the items are above the ordinary quality. For instance, in one stall there is an excellent though small oil painting by an amateur artist, valuable because it is the work of local talent ; in others there are woolwork cushions, ottoman covers, fender stools, leather work trays, baskets, and picture frames, all of which are exceedingly tastefully worked. Amongst the latter is to be mentioned specially a frame surrounding an engraving, “ Australian Pets.” Then there are the useful articles which, though possessing no attraction for the newspaper reporter, who cares for none of these things, are always eagerly sought after by ladies desiring bargains. We will not attempt to particularise, but the useful department is well stocked, and we were informed prices wereallamazinglylow. The stalls are ranged round the side walls of the room, leaving ample space for promenading. At the upper end is the confectionery stall, where tea and coffee and pastry are vended. On the stage there are several Christmas trees, the anachronism being quite lost sight of when the rich prizes depending therefrom are once seen. The various stalls are thus allotted : —No. 1, Mrs. Dumbell, Miss Whitaker, and Miss Dumbell; No. 2, Mrs. McGowan, Miss Ward, and Miss E. Ward ; No. 3, Mrs. Fisher, Miss Corbett, and Miss 0. Whitaker ; No. 4, Mrs. Murdoch and Miss E. Randall ; No. 5, Mrs. Beard and Miss H. Randall ; No. 6, Mrs. Austin and Miss Johns ; Christmas trees, Miss Boughton and Miss Stevens ; Refreshment stall, Mrs. R. Phelps. At noon the formal opening took place. The Rev. Mr. Dumbell addressing those present, said : His Worship the Mayor had very kindly consented to formally open the bazaar, and he was quite sure his Worship would receive a hearty greeting. As most persons were aware, the bazaar was for the purpose of liquidating the debt on the Sydneystreet Church, and the ladies of the congregation had been busy for some time ia the work of collecting articles. It would have been held at a much earlier date had it not been unavoidably postponed owing to the lamented death of the Rev. Mr. Ward, and the result was that in the collection there were a great number of summer goods. However, he hoped all would find something to them, and that the result would be as

successful as was wished. Speaking generally of the cause, he was glad to say that the connexion was gradually moving onward, and he quoted from the last annual report to show the Church members now numbered 170,805, or an increase for the last year of 7085. They also had a ministry numbering 1080, an increase of 40 ; and lay preachers numbering 13,305, an increase upon the previous year of 395. Class leaders, 10,334 ; increase, 210. Sabbath schools, 3760; increase, 115. Teachers, 53,049 ; increase, 3037. Scholars, 334,991 ; increase, 18,006. Connexional churches, 4033; increase, 120. Value of church property, £1,831,416. So that they were able to congratulate themselves that they were doing something with other Christian denominations to promote the great work of their common Master, and disseminate the truths of the Gospel. The connexion in Wellington had been in existence for a series of years, and he was happy to gay it never was in a better position than it now was in. He should now introduce to them his Worship the Mayor, who would perhaps say a few words. His Worship the Mayor was received with applause. Ho said he had been requested by the bazaar committee to open the proceedings, and although he did not know that he could do much, but inasmuch as it gave him an opportunity of indicating his respect and esteem for the Primitive Methodists in Wellington, he was glad to be present. He might say, however, that with bazaars generally he had but little sympathy, for he had as a rule found them a combination of -exorbitant prices, gambling, and frivolities. But this was not to be the case at this bazaar he understood, and he trusted they would show the public an example in respect to bazaars which would be largely followed. Of course they had come there to sell their goods, and he had no doubt desired to get fair prices. This he hoped they would do without going beyond the mark; and when bazaars were so conducted they were a legitimate means of promoting either ecclesiastical or charitable purposes, and deserved encouragement. After a few further remarks he declared the bazaar opened. “ God Save the Queen” was performed on the piano, and the ladies then fell to work. During the afternoon a good business was

~ done, and in the evening the hall was crowded, MlL_ihere being the additional attraction of music, the Artillery band having very kindly given their services. The bazaar will be open to-day, and this evening a band under Mr. Barber will fill the orchestra.