VOLUNTEER BAZAAR AT GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1667, 1 December 1887, Page 2

VOLUNTEER BAZAAR AT GERALDINE.

The long-talked of Volunteer bazaar in aid of the funds of the Geraldine Volunteer corps was opened yesterday in the Volunteer Hall, Geraldine. The weather was all that conld be desired, and the hopes of those who had the interest of the undertaking at heart were fully realised. From the first moment the bazaar was mooted the idea was taken up with enthusiasm by young and old of both sexes. Contributions in cash and articles flowed in liberally, and the result was seen yesterday in the largest and best bazaar that has ever taken place in Geraldine or the district. It is being held for the purpose of defraying the cost of flooring the hall and erecting a stage and committee rooms at the back. Mr A. "White, of Geraldine, was the successful tenderer, and right faithfully has ho carried out the work. The whole building, 100 x 40, has been floored, an excellent stage erected, and large and convenient committee rooms erected at the back. Those who knew the Hall a month or two ago, with its earthen floor and bare walls, would have entirely failed to recognise it yesterday when decorated and “prepared for action.” Entering by the front door one is astonished to see the dazzling show of ornamental, useful, and fancy goods that have been so exquisitely arranged. Looking first to the right and going round with Ihe sun, we come to the Post-office. This is in charge of Misses Dean and Jones (Timaru), and from it letters were constantly being issued. Then comes No. 1 Stall, presided over by Mrs Pearpoint, assisted by Mesdames Dunlop and Dean and Misses E. Dean, Dnnlop, Allpress, Millar, Erskine, Prude, and Webb. This is the Rifles Stall, the assistants being dressed in the uniform of the Geraldine Rifles. Here is to be found a rich array of almost every description of goods, useful and ornamental. Sofa cushions are in abundance, made up in every description of rich and harmonious material and colors. Here, too, are some beautifully-dressed dolls some as brides and some in full evening costumes. The dresses are perfect models of the dressmaker’s art, and are exceptionally tasteful. On this stall is exhibited a model of a cottage done in cardboard, and surrounded by a picket fence. The whole is the work of Mr C. Groves, and it has been much admired. No. 2 Stall. This is the Artillery Stall, and in in charge of Mrs Turton, with a bigrgun: detachment consisting of Mesdames Major Moore and R. Preston; and Miss R. Preston. Here again is a profuse and varied display of tempting goods, that quite baffle description. No. 3 Stall.

This is the Cavalry Stall, and is under the command of Mesdames Clarke and Bbughton, with a flying squadron consisting of Misses Beckloy, Fraser, Whittaker, Clarke, and Flemming. Each of the young ladies assisting at the, stalls wears the uniform of the corps the stall represents, and right well does eyery one “ do her duty.” Stall No. 4.

This is the cutter “Jubilee” that figured at the Volunteer Bazaar in Timaru. She was got to Geraldine by rail and road, and is now doing excellent service. The hull, masts, and rigging of this craft afforded a splendid opportunity for making a display of goods, and full advantage has been taken of it. From deck to keel she is decked out with articles for sale. At this stall is to be seen an excellent model of a full rigged ship, the work of Mr W. Stonehouse, an old man-o’-war's man. The model is complete in every particular, and beautifully finished. It will be raffled this evening and the tickets in the lottery soon found a ready sale. Of course, it need hardly be added, that this is the Naval Stall, and a rare and jovial crew the craft carries. Mesdames Stonehouse and J. W. Pye are the first in command. The petty officers and crew consist of Mesdames Dariow and fronting, and Misses Taylor, Gripp, Fyfe, Stonehouse (3) Mcßae, and Bosswell. Shooting Gallebt and Floweb Stalls. In the left-hand corner is the Shooting Gallery, under the command of Privates Millard and Patrick, Down the centre of the hall are arranged two large stands of flowers, which serve to add variety, to the scene. At the far end of the Hall is the Refreshment Stall. This is under the care of Mesdames Postlothwttitc, Fish, McKenzie, and Brown, assisted by Mrs Cunningham and Misses Fish (2), E. Preston, Temple, Kelman, McKenzie and Tindall. A really excellent display of edible delicacies has been made here, and the table is most beautifully set off with greenhouse aud other flowers, The May-polb, The May-pole occupied the, centre of the room, and yesterday evening the May-pole Dance was gone through by a number of little girls under the direction of Mrs Grahame, of Timaru, It may be mentioned that this lady kindly placed her services at the disposal ot the Committe and travelled trpm Timaru weekly to teach the girl* the dance. The, performance A

much enjoyed by those who witnessed it. The whole appearance of the room is exceedingly pretty and will well ftpay a visit. The Opening Cjbbeilont. The, Bazaar was opened yesterday b i the Hon. W. Eolleston in the unavoidable absence of Lieut.-Colonel Bailey. The Geraldine Eifles formed a guard of honor, and Mr Eolleston, accompanied by the Misses Eolleston, entered the front door and were escorted to the stage by Majors Moore and Young, and the Eev. Mr Preston, chaplain of the corps. Mr Eolleston then spoke as follows:—Major Moore, Captain Pearpoint, Ladies, and Gentlemen —That in the absence of Lieut.-Colonel Bailey I have been asked to say a few words on the occasion of the opening of this Bazaar, and at a time when Geraldine expects not only every man, but every one of those brighter and fairer members of society who are here in such numbers to-day, to do their duty, I, among the rest, must obey orders. There are few common bonds of interest in a new country, and it is of great importance that those should be made the most of. The completion of this large building has a common interest for all classes of the community, To day all that renders daily life peaceful and happy meet together in it. One day it will be devoted to the sound of martial music and the tread of armed men; on another it will resound with lighter strains and be filled with the whirling maze of the

giddy dancing throng. A portion o£ the building frill, I am glad to see, be available for the quieter object of a reading room and other social and literary purposes. Speaking of the principal object of this building—the volunteer movement—it has its basis in the sense of a common duty to the fulfilment of which all old and young men and women alike can contribute. It is this feeling of duty which causes volunteer corps to be raised throughout the country, often under circumstances of anythingbutan encouraging character. The great duty of self-defence interests us all—nationally, colonially, individually. Nationally, it interests us as a part of a great Empire—as portion of the English-speaking race, which, as Mr Gladstone has told us, 100 years ago numbered 15 millions, bow numbers 100 millions, and 100 years hence will number 1000 millions of human beings. On the vigour of this Empire, on its strength to maintain its rights, to avenge its wrongs, to help to protect the weak, to resist the rude hand of wrongful violence and the tyranny of the oppressor, will depend its future greatness. Its trade, its commerce, its civilisation, its general advancement —for it cannot stand still: it must go forward or backward—all depend op peace, and peace depends upon being prepared for war. The possession of freedom carries with it grave responsibilities. The instincts of a people at a point like this are truer and stronger than the arguments of any “peace at any price party,” of whom “ only the ledger fines,” and in whom the “narrowing lust of gold,” reigns supreme. The yielding to wrong, the suffering of humiliation, are as inconsistent with the self-respect of a nation as with that of an individual. What would you think of a people who tamely gave up their towns to plunder, their homes to outrage, at the hands of a foreign invader 7 In the past it is our connection with a race great in heroic deeds—great by land, great by sea—of which we are justly proud. With the same instinctive pride we look forward in the future to maintain our position as part of an Empire which will ever be in the front rank of civilisation. Who does not dwell with pride on the memory of the Baltic and the Nile, of the conquered “ Myriads of Assaye,” and the glorious victory of Waterloo ? Who is there among us whose heart did not burn with pride over the exploits of General Gordon three short years ago ?

“'.Not onoa or twice in our fair island’s story The path of duty was the way to glory.*’

We hear a good deal of Federation. I Will not now enter on so large a Subject further than to say that the peaceful union of the English-speaking people in every quarter of the globe—people with common sympathies, common interests, common aspirations —more than upon anything else depends the happiness of the world m the immediate future. If it' be true that this peace cttb only be secured by being ready for war, then the organisation of a common system of defence is the first and most important step in promoting what we understand by the term “Federation.” The promised aid of the Navy of Great Britain, acting in harmony with the local defence forces of her dependencies, is already working towards the solution of the earliest stages of the problem. Looking at the question of defence locally, it is impossible not to Recognise the importance of a wellconsidered and efficient organisation among us, based as 1 have said on a feeling of national duty, and forming part of the permanent institutions of the country. Only recently we have learned how prejudicially we may he affected by spasmodic efforts, consequent on a sudden war scare. That which is done hastily is seldom done well, and is always done waste,fully and extravagantly. Individually we cannot but appreciate the value of the diiipliuoy the self denial, the

spirit of order and obedience, which is engendered by military training. The character of a people is largely moulded by it in any country. More especially must it be so in a young colony, where self-respect does not grow so largely, as in older countries, from respect for others, and from obedience to constituted authority. Coming to the occasion of our meeting to-day, we see the volunteer movement in a very varied form. This room is filled I with volunteers—not only those clad in the Queen’s uniform, but those irregular corps which hare temporarily enlisted in the service, and whose hearts and hands have been devoted for weeks past to promote the success of this bazaar. How well they have prepared for the battle is not difficult to see at the first glance. How well they will succeed in bringing up their forces and exercising their rifling powers remains to be seen. I pity the unhappy mortals who do not recognise that discretion is the better part of valor—who do not surrender cheerfully on the demands of the charmers. They are eager for the fray, and it would ill become me by my observations to detain them longer from the exercise of their predatory instincts. I have only now to declare this Bazaar open. The bazaar continued open all the afternoon, and in the evening an immense crowd was present. The place was well lighted up,and the uniforms of the Volunteers and handsome dresses of the ladies made the scene look really effective. The bazaar will ' contiune open to-day.