Conversazione and Gift Auction.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 927, 19 March 1881, Page 4

Conversazione and Gift Auction.

The energy displayed in the inauguration of this step is highly commendable, but it is a matter of regret that the management was so faulty. In fact there was little or no management. That characteristic impulsiveness which is proverbial was made evident when the scheme was first mooted, but a severe attack of apathy was apparent as the evening appointed drew near. Notwithstanding this, however, the conversazione and gift auction must be pronounced a genuine success. Throughout the evening the Hall was thronged, and it was pleasing to note the friendly and cordial feeling which evidently exists throughout the community. There were no distinctions as to class or creed, and each visitor vied with the others in paying those little attentions usual in polite society. There is, however, one thing wo must call attention to, and that is the rampant larrikinism which we are sorry to say exists and keeps making strong headway in Gisborne. Not only do these young hoodlums actually prevent the enjoyment of their elders and superiors, but in very many cases do serious injury to the benefits likely to be attained. One of the worst phases of this growing nuisance is that it is not confined to boys alone. Young men seem to be incorporated with the same spirit, and by virtue of their increased knowledge are really more troublesome than their juniors. This was clearly exemplified on Thursday evening, and it is to be hoped that on any similar occasion the committee of management will make application to Sergeant Bullen to detail a constable for the purpose of ensuring order, and preventing such petty and contemptible thefts as were committed. The gifts to aid the funds of the Church were not presented to miserable pilferers, and although they may think that purloining apples, peaches, &c., is a harmless crime, we hold a decidedly opposite opinion. The tea commenced at seven o’clock ; the tables loaded with toothsome articles being presided over by Mesdames E. O’Meara, J. O’Meara, J. G. Henderson, Butler, Walsh j Orr, Maher, Jennings, and Houghy, assisted by the Misses Schultz (2), Henry, O’Meara Bourke, O’Meara (2), and numbers of others’ After all the good things had been partaken of and about an hour’s conversation indulged in by those present, Mr. S. J. Bromley, who had kindly volunteered his services, proceeded with the gift auction, and by his oily tongue succeeded in getting really good prices for most i J ™ IOn8 ‘ miniature newspaper styled The Mosquito was also circulated aud .old t, eely, fully 200 Mpieß being d J of. Theie was a.so a dwarf on view, who caused considerable excitement among t the small boys, and astonishment even to adults Looking at the undertaking as a whole in a monetary point o f view it was a success, bit would have been even more so if life an d energy

could have been instilled into the committee. In making these remarks it must be borne in mind that all are not set down as having been apathetic, and notably Mr. O’Ryan, the secretary, whose untiring exertions helped the affair on wonderfully. The Gift Auction will be continued this evening, and we understand the. Art Union tickets having beep sold, the drawing will take place. About £IOO have been already realised.