COASTAL COUNTRY FAIR.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 June 1918, Page 2

COASTAL COUNTRY FAIR.

A SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION". (From Our Warea Correspondent) The "Country Fair" held at Warea on. the sth inst., was favored by fine weather, which, no doubt, helped to bring" out the large number of people that crowded the liall during the day and made such a success of the Fair. The various stalls were erected in the hall and decorated with patriotic colors, which had a very pleasing effect. The hall was also decorated with flags, kindly lent by Mrs Burgess (New Plymouth), Mr. Barak and Mr. Hale (Warea). The committee were haid at work early in the morning and everything was ready by eleven o'dock, the advertised time of opening. Business went with a. swing after the arrival of Mr. Burgess, the Mayor of New Plymouth, and chairman of the New Flymouth Patriotic Committee (whose boundary goes as far south as Oaonui), who was to officially open the "Fair." The Mayor, who was accompanied by Mrs Burgess and party and Archdeacon Evans and party, was introduced by Mrs Parker, and gave a brief speech on the objects for which the funds were required, and then declared the "Fair" open. He was followed by Archdeacon Evans, who spoke in a similar strain and who illustrated his remarks with actual experiences at the front, which were listened to very attentively by those present. Afterwards "business aa usual" was the order of the day, and in a very short time the various stalls began to look quite empty, and before nightfall were practically denuded. During the day the various competitions were kept going, and some of the young ladies show-, ed a remarkable aptitude for extracting the shillings and sixpences from all and sundry. The chain stepping whieh was in charge of Messrs Symonds and Wells, drew good entries, and was won by Mrs Neill (ladies') and Mr. C. Magon (gent's) Sheep guessing (Mr. Simpson) was also well patronised, Mr. Tim Fowles being declared the winner with 101 lbs. (actual weight 101 A lbs). Professor Uinpeppo's "Circus" also did good business, and to judge by the laughter, old and young were all amused. In the evening a social and dance was given, and the hall was again crowded to the doors. Mr. Pearson's orchestra, supplied the music, and Mr. H. Larking made an efficient M.C. Songs were contributed during the e'Aning by Mrs L. Wells, Miss E. Norris and Captain Knight, and weTe highly appreciated. The young ladles were again busy with sweets, flowers, etc., to sell and some of the guessing j competitions were still going. TTie sup- ' per was in charge of the ladies, and, i needless to say, there was plenty and to spare. During the evening Mr. Vinsen disposed of the few things that were left, ,nd the thanks of the committee are extended to him for the able manner in which he weilded the hammer. All the donations are not in yet, hut the committee expect to go very near the £4OO mark. Full particulars of the various competitions will be published as soon as possible, also the list; of stall holders, etc.