GRAND CARNIVAL AT GERALDINE

Temuka Leader, Issue 2036, 22 April 1890, Page 3

GRAND CARNIVAL AT GERALDINE

The Grand Carnival and Cake and Apron Fair in aid of the funds of the Geraldine Literary Institute was opened in the Oddfellows' Hall, Geraldine, on Friday afternoon laßt. There was a heavy downpour of rain during the whole day, and at two e'clock, the time fixed for opening the carnival, it was raining in torrents, and as a consequence nobody was present at the hall except the committee and those having charge of the stalls. The rain continued throughout the afternoon, the result being that not more than a dozen people ventured out. The weather cleared up in the evening, when there was a good attendance at the carnival. A number of attractions and inducements for the public to spend their money had been prepared, and the hall, decorated as it was with Chinese lanterns, flags, etc., and brilliantly lighted, presented a very gay appearance. In the right-hand corner from the main entrance was the SHOOTING GALLERY. This proved a very attractive spot, more especially to the masculine portion of those present. The sheoting was with an air gun and the ordinary darts, and during the whole time the carnival was open the gallery was crowded. A little further down the hall wsb THE BEABISTO HOBSE. This was a small keg, with a bar, about twelve feet long, passed through its ends. The ends of the bar were supported on trestles, one end being slightly raised. The person who could manage, while sttting astride of the keg to work it from the raised to the lower end of the bar without falling off, received prize of ss. As the holes in the keg through which the bar passed were full large, and the bar was kept well greased, it is almost, needless to say that the committee wtire not called on to pay the prize, tne keg rolling round with each competitor. This contrivance caused a great deal of amusement. On the stage side of the hall THE AET GALLERY

was placed, and being opened at intervals attracted its crowds, as also did THE PUUCH AND JXJDT SHOW, to whick old and young nocked at intervals, the former to revive old impressions, and the latter to see a representation; of a the famous old couple of whom so much has been said in prose and verse. At the extreme end of the stage running across the hall was placed THE SWITCHBACK BAILWAY,

which was modelled after the famous one/at the Dunedin Exhibition. Great interest was taken in this attraction, old and young having apparently made up their minds to enjoy a ride on the line. Immediately in front of the stage was placed an traction that commanded the attention of everybody, namely, m;._. THE BEJBESHMENT STALL.

This was under the supervision or Mesdames Fish, Preston, and Wilson Smith, assisted by Misses Fish (2), •Preßton (2), and Wilson Smith. Here an excellent display was made of , numbers of good things, the prices of which being made very reasonable a ready sale was effected, Here, too, a substantial meal, with tea or coffee, - could be got, and a number of cakes, " varying in price from Is to 4s, were obtainable by those who wished to purchase them. On the left-hand side of the hall was THE APEOH STALL.

This was under the care of Mesdames H. B. Webster, W. Postlethwaite, JR. Postlethwaite, and H. N. Hiskens, and Miss Sargood. A number of ladies in the district had been working: for weeks in preparing useful and fancy articles for this stall, and as a consequence there was a very effective display of plain and fancy aprons, in all the latest novelties of style and color, sofa and pin cushions, afternoon tea cloths, toilet mats, and pretty nicknacks. From this 'stall, too, a little six-year-old daughter of Mr R. H. Postlethwaite sallied forth from time to time with a small basket of exquisite " button-holes," and drove a splendid business as a flower girl. Next to the apron stall was erected an enclosure, in which Mrs J, Hickton practised the art of PALMISTBT,

and delineated to old and young who her palm with a Bilver coin, the past, present, and future of their lives her readings of character being in many instances very correct. In the left-hand corner of the hall was situated THE POSTOFFICE, an institution where they appeared to employ male and female clerks, and a more obliging set ©f clerks it would be

hard to find. Each one appeared to vie with the other in their endeavors to supply the public at the earliest possible moment with their letters, let the hour be what it would ; in fact, if a person was so unfortunate as to have no letter addressed to him or her they would supply one in very quick time. Of course, paying for the same was a mere matter of detail. There, were a number of other attractions. The Geraldine Brass Band, under Bandmaster T. Sherratt, helped to enliven the proceedings. Musical selections were rendered from time to time by Mrs Webster and Misses Fish, >nd Mr J. Evan contributed jockey and sailor hornpipes. Owing to the inclemency of the weather the carnival was continued on the following day, when there was again a good attendance. A quantity of farm produce for the gift auction was auctioned by Mr H. B. Webster, and brought good prices.

The financial results of the carniyal were highly sasisfactory, the Bum of £io being realised.