THE CATHOLIC FETE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8014, 28 December 1905, Page 2

THE CATHOLIC FETE.

AT NEW PLYMOUTH.

A BIG SUCCESS.

The Catholic. Floral Fete and Bazaar, I which opened on Boxing Day in the lucatre Koyal, was right up to expcctations, and this means much. For months past the work of preparation had been pushed forward, and when the fete opened there was uithing wanting but attendance. This was soon secured, and before closing on the fl ,- st night fully a thousand people paid for admission.

A complete transformation has been effected in the interior of the building. Pretty trellis work of strips of coloured butter-cloth makes a very effective front to the stalls oil either side of the hall, and the effect is heightened by a number of trees which are a perfect mass of peach and apple blossoms, prettily contrived from tissuo papor. I'roads of the nikau palm cojnplete the decoration, except that the articles on view and on sale are so pretty, so chaste, and such gems of art needlework and brunhwerk that they are a' most effective ornament in themselves.' Mrs C. Clark is in charge of one stall, in which pink effects predominate, and opposite Mrs W. Bennett controls the disposal of the goods resting behind tje green trellis, besides supervising the furniture department. The display of goods includes some fine Sand-paint-ed mirrors and pictures: Point lace cushions are saadwiched among Teneriffe and crewel work, photography, and carved work. A "brde" doll, artificial flowers, ribbon-work on satin, bead-work, and pretty table-centres are here in choke profusion, whilst plain sewing is also offered. A carved sideboard, a suite of furniture, wardrobe in relief carving, duchess pair, and tables arc also conspicuous for their excellent quality. Mrs Connop dispenses refreshments and sweets, and Miss Brown has charge of the Christmas tree and bran-tub.

A refreshment and sweet stall opened near the entrance on Wednesday night, and Mrs Batchclor and Mrs Lehrke did good business there.

Everywhere are young ladies armed I with a book, a sniile, and. a countless array of arguments to induce the 'shillings and sixjic res to pass into their bags. Art treasures, '.ivnitu.-e, and every conceivable thing are submitted to raffles and chances arc thus given to obtain a valuable article at a cost of a shilling. There is a chance—many chances, perhaps—that some other fellow will get it, but that is not stated by the saleswomen. In the majority of cases their wiles and guile appear wholly successful, and "raffles" are filling well. The list of helpers furnished us is as follows Mrs C Clarke's stall: Mesdames Lawless, Hooper, McCabe, Crawshaw, Ryan, Misses Hurle, Berriuge, Duff, Gai'vic, Foley, Julian, Boon, Walsh, Waugb, Lawless, Ui-ecn, Ryan, and E. Moore • Mrs W. Bennett's stall; Mcsclames Dockrill, J. Bennett, Oliver, Misses Radford, Malouc, Hart (2), Hales, Finn, McComish (2}, and Manders; Mrs Couuop's s-f iill: Mesdames Lehrke, Batchclor, DuHer, Bluciuan, Miss Nichol. Others are disposing of tickets for the " prison hunt" and " lost treasure " search, good prizes being offered to the suctesfsul searchers.

As has been stated in previous issues, the concert programme is a treat. The most popular item is the poppy ballet', probably because of.its crisp. and lirely i movements, and the chic and brilliant costumes of the young ladies taking part. In the other dances tho motions are slower, but so gra"eful and cffccr five that each wins hearty applause. The " Blue Diamond " ' march by a team of Plymouth "Amazons" is a favourite item, introducing the solo " Tommy," by Miss May Clarke, the drummer to the troop. The graceful and statoly minuet,'and tho -quiet changing aud ligfct movements of the cachuea aro vefy . pretty, and" the' -choruses "Tell'Me,.Pretty Maiden" and "Take Your-Pretty Partners " are also good. The coronation ceremony, or royal reception, by the (Jneen of the Fete, Miss May Clarke,.is one of the best tableaux seen, on an amateur stage. The chaimiug costumes, .naive postures, clever and dainty dancing, bright choruses, and fine orchestral music (by Mr G. -Garry's orchestra) make success inevitable.

Hie performers have gained confidence from Tuesday night's appearanco, aud the various items on Wednesday showed considerable improvement.

The . bazaar continues throughout the whole of this weelf, and > bound to be a big financial success, .