GARDEN FETE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 429, 13 January 1933, Page 6

GARDEN FETE

OPENED BY BISHOP BENNETT Fine weather favoured the members of St. Stephen's Church on Wednesday afternoon when a garden fete organised to raise funds for the church, was held in the Vicarage grounds. Before the function was opened, the Rev. N. F. Benham, took the opportunity of welcoming the Bishop of Aotearoa, Rt. Rev F. Bennett, to Opotiki, and expressed the opinion that the large attendance was due to the fact that he was present. . The mayor also welcomed the visitor and mentioned the friendly relations existing between Maori and Pakeha. The Bishop in opening the fete said, that it afforded him great pleasure to.be present for it was not only an honour to him, but also to the office he held as Bishop of the Maoris. He went on to express the hope that botli Maoris and Pakehas would some day build a monument in commemoration of the Rev. Carl Volkner. He then addressed the Maoris in their own language and told them about Volkner's death. In conclusion he thanked all teachers throughout New Zealand for bringing Maoris and Pakehas together. He then declared Ihe fete open. The orchestra, comprising Messrs. C. Bowles (violiii), A. Shaw (clarionet), C. Cave (piano), J. Parkinson (cornet) and W. Parkinson (trombone) contributed several items. A competition between the Maori ehoir (which consisted mostly of Torere people) and the St. Stephen's ehoir followed. The Maori choir chose "Crown Him Lord of All" as .their hymn, while the latter sang "Noel." The Bishop, who awarded the marks, gave 415 to the Pakehas,' and 445 to the Maoris, the possible number being 500. Later in the afternoon, Bishop Bennett made a brief speech in which be said he had been asked on behalf of the church vestry, to make a presentation to the Rev. N. F. Benham. He explained the work that Mr. Benham had before him and said that he fe-lt sure he would put his whole heart and soul into it, and extended to him the heartiest of welcomes among the Maori people. Mr. Benham replied suitably and thanked the people for the gift which was a useful set of table' mats. Mr. J. Parkinson gave a much appreciated cornet solo and was aecompanied by his brother, Mr. W. Parkinson. The cake, ice cream and vegetable stalls were well patronised as well as the various games which were held on the lawns. The following were the winners of the various competitions: — Mrs. S. Abbott (cushion), Mr. H. Satchwell (cushion), Mrs. W. Sydenham (cake), Mr. Letts (gerbera plant), Mr. Drake (goose), Mr. Hodgson (cake), Mr. I. Thompson (shooting), Miss M. Sydenham (shooting), The function was carried on through the evening, dancing. being held on the lawn, which was prettily lit with fairy lights.