ST. MARY'S ANGLICAN CHURCH BAZAAR, GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1161, 5 April 1884, Page 2

ST. MARY'S ANGLICAN CHURCH BAZAAR, GERALDINE.

For some little while past the fair members of the Church of England in tbe district have exerted themselves to the uttermost in their endeavors to assist in augmenting the funds of the Parish Church, the result of which was displayed on Thursday last in a spacious marqmee erected in the Park at Geraldine. Many and varied were the goods thus displyed, most temptingly by the ladies, and when the proceeds are reckoned up no doubt a goodly sum will be added to the funds of the Church.

The weather having been most unpropitious of late, fears were entertained that notwithstanding the Bazaar had been postponed for one week, it might yet prove wet ; but no, the sun on Thursday last rose with unclouded brilliancy. About 9 o’clock, however, a dense fog gradually came up from the southward, which continuing, it was thought rain would succeed and spoil all. Fortunately this was not tbe case, but the fog ma< Hally interfered with the opening out of the goods till somewhat late in the afternoon.

The visitors to the ground consisted mainly of ladies, the opposite sex being mostly conspicuous by their absence. This may perhaps be accounted .for in the fact that just now that they have very little spare cash in their pockets, and many have had to look out for the much dreaded “ fourth,”

The bazaar was kept open till a late hour in the evening, and the marquee was lit up by means of candles. It bad been previously decided on to hold a gift auction, and thus dispose of all remaining articles left unsold. Owing, however, to it being Winchester Fair day, both the local auctioneers were away from the township, and at about half-past seven p.m. Mr It. S. Cook kindly consented f o act as auctioneer, and well he acted bis new role, eve n up to the ‘'knocker.” The first lot of goods put up were the fragments that remained at the conclusion of the tea, and cakes, sandwiches, etc,, ad libitum, found ready purchasers at “ very reduced prices.” Then articles of s more substantial character were submitted to a keen competition. Whilst these were being disposed of, Mr Guinness, auctioneer, of Timaru, arrived on the animated scene, who was persuaded to mount the “ rostrum” and after a few more articles had passed into the hands of the buyers, the auctioneer announced that the remainder would be submitted to auction in the Oddfellows’ Ilall at a date to be named.

The thanks of all concerned are specially due to Messrs Pearpoint and It. S. Cook, who spared no trouble and pains to render the bazaar a success. As far as can at pres, it be ascertained the bazaar realised £SO, and when the

unsold articles are disposed of on a future date, a further handsome sum (considering the hardness of the times) will be added to the Church funds.

GARDEN PARTY AT WINCHESTER.

A garden party and sale of fancy work etc,, in aid of the fund for the lighting oi. the Winchester Church, and for furniture, took place on Wednesday in Mr Young’s villa, kindly lent for the purpose. The day was a favorable one, and the attendance was good. The ladies who got up the work must have worked very hard, for the display of ladies and children’s clothing, cushions, mats, bracket covers, etc., was a sight to behold. The stalls and refreshment table were in a large marquee erected on the ground. The stalls were presided over by Mesdames Hamilton, Young, Bishop, Delienzy, H. E, Smith, R. Smith, Inwood, and Dunnett. The refreshment table was in charge of Misk's Smith, Cooke, Guy, and E. Flowers and letters must have realised a very great profit, and a gipsy fortune teller’s tent presided over by Mrs Dunnett was well patronised. Lawn tennis, croquet, and archery were indulged in. The total receipts were over £3O, and the ladies deserve every commendation for the manner in which they got up the fete and carried it out.