PATUMAHOE.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 404, 27 August 1918, Page 4

PATUMAHOE.

RED CROSS EFFORT

A. SUCCESSFUL BAZAAR

Under the auspices of the Patumahoe Red Cross Committee a very successful function was held in the interest of the Red Cross work in the Public Hall. Patumahoe, on Friday and Saturday last For weeks past an enthusiastic band of workers had devoted much time and attention towards the promotion of a bazaar and sale of work, and the result of their united and self-sacrificing efforts was seen by the magnificent display of produce, needlework, and miscellaneous articles which were donated by the many good friends throughout the district. These gifts also comprised valuable live stock, which, with tho needlework and other miscellaneous articles formed such a collection of paleable goods far in excess of the accommodation provided at the hall. United in their desire to do their best to augment the Red Cioss fund, the management aro to be commended for the enthusiasm shown.

The ceremony of declaring the baraar open was performed on Friday afternoon by Mr J. S. Montgomerie, the riding's representative on the County Council. He expressed tho pleasure it gave him to be in attendance, especially when it was recognised that tho object of their gathering was such a noble one. He knew from his experience of the settlers throughout the district that they would give liberally and he trusted they would remember that in patronising the bazaar they were at the same time helping the soldier boys at the Front. Various competitions were provided and created a good deal of amusement. At intervals vocal and instrumental items were given. Miss Doreen Bsady delighted all with her dancing of the hornpipe, whilst Mrs. Vaughan sang in her usual first class style " Mother Machree " and as a recall sang " Keep the Home Fires Burning." Throughout both days there was a constant stream of visitors.

With Mr Melville Crispe, as chairman of a well organised committee, and with Mr E. C. Cuff as Hon. Sec. the arrangements for the bazaar were carried out faultlessly, many ladies proving themselves loyal and consistent workers. Altogether the secret of the success of the undertaking throughout was largely due to the spirit of helpfulness which prevailed and to the self sacrifice characteristic of one and all to help forward the Red Cross Society. The stall holders were : - Produce stall, Mrs H. E. R. L. Wily; lolly stall, tho Misses F. Bailey and McAlpine; jumble, Mrs Cutfield and Miss Madill; flowers, the Misses Howard and Henry ; fruit, Mrs E. C. Cuff; soft drinks, Miss V. Bailey; plain sewing, Mesdames Gutry and Taylor; fancy stall, Miss Amy Hay ; fish pond, the Misses McAlpine and Corin; shrubs and plants stall, Miss Thorp and Mis J. Gillan; and surprise packet stall, Mr Crispe. In an adjoining room relreshments were provided and a brisk trade was done, Mrs W. Bobinson and Mrs and Miss A. E. Wright, assisted by a band of of loyal workers, superintending. Saturday evening was the busiest period of the bazaar. The hall was so closely packed that movement was scarcely possible. Tho songs and dances contributed by various ontertainers vrero much appreciated, though from tho business point of view they were probably a mistake, as they disturbed the attention of the audience from the more sorious occupation of buying from the stallholders. Thero was a steady rush in the refreshment room throughout the evening, and 'he bevv of Bed Cross waitresses were kept hard at work till nearly mid-night. Fortunately supplies comestible had been so freely donated that no shortage occured in the comraisariat department. Towards the end of tho evening Mr J. T. Stembridge auctioned the unsold contents of tho stalls, most of which brought good prices. Many of the winners of prizes generously gave them back to be resold, the result being a considerable augmentation of the fund. Shortly before midnight the National Anthem was sung and the general public took its departure, but it was well on into Sunday morning before tho tired workers could reduce the chaos into a semblance of order so as to enable them to leave the building.