CARDEN FETE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 45, 21 February 1913, Page 5

CARDEN FETE.

IN AID OF MANSE FUNDS. In tire words of a popular pantomime song it was “Meet me where the Lanterns Glow,” last night when the Garden I cte at the new Presbyterian close, the evening being enjoyably close, the ebening being enjoyably spent in song and—croquet. The function was commenced early in the afternoon, when there was a very fair attendance, an excellent musical programme being arranged by Mr and Mrs Chas. Penn. Bris business was done by the numerous stall-holders. In declaring the fete open, Mr J. B. Hine, M.P., who was introduced by the pastor (Rev. Pattison), said he was very pleased indeed to be present at a function of this nature, recognising, as he did, the necessity for churches in a community in order to preserve the morn] and spiritual tone. Referring to the pastor, Mr Hine said he trusted that the Rev. Pattison’s ministry in Stratford amongst the Presbyterian community would he very successful. (Applause.) He hoped that the garden fete wouuld considerably relieve the financial burdens, jjurd congratulated the church on securing such a splendid Manse and such beautiful grounds. (Applause.) Mr Hine concluded his speech by issuing a challenge to the pastor for a croquet match, but the “Church” won after a fine finish, with “Politics” a fair second, the winners being the Rev. Pattison and Mrs Hine, and the losers, Mr J. B. Hine and Mrs McNeely. . In the evening the grounds were illuminated by strings of electric lights, interspersed with lanterns, a very gay scene resulting. On the lawns chairs and tables were arranged, and from the verandah musical items were rendered by tire well-known local afnateurs *’ Mrs Nolan was loudly applauded for her song, “I Hid my Love,” and her encore number, “Gentle Dame Priscilla,” was also accorded an ovation. Miss Bayly played her accompaniments. Songs were also given by Miss Mackay, and Messrs Douglas and Walters. Violin solos by Miss Hopkins, and pianoforte solos by Miss Evans completed the programme. Mrs Mackay also contributed a pleasing recitation.

Among those who materially assisted in making the fete such a pronounced success were the stall-holders, who worked loyally and well. The produce stall was in charge of Mesdames Smart and Stanton; the work stall, Mesdames Mackay and Campbell; sweets, Misses Mudford and Stanton (2); flower stall, Misses Morison and D. Mudford and Mrs McNeely and refreshments, Misses Scott, Mackay, Scott and Nielson and Mrs McGowan. Credit is also due to Mr Geo. Smart, who erected the illuminations gratuitously.

Supper in the marquee and at the long tables concluded the pleasantest of evenings.