ST. SAVIOUR’S CHURCH, TEMUKA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2500, 9 May 1893, Page 2

ST. SAVIOUR’S CHURCH, TEMUKA.

ANNUAL PARISH FESTIVAL,

The festival in connection with the above church was continued on Saturday, when the bazaar was re-opened at about 3 o’clock. Business was quiet until evening, when, the weather showing decided signs of improvement, the attendance gradually increased, until nearly a thousand persons were present. The Maypole dance was gone through at intervals, to the great enjoyment of those present, but it was found impossible to repeat late in the evening owing to the crush. About 7 o’clock the Timaru Garrison Band arrived, and under the leadership of Mr Sydney Wolf, played some charming selections at intervals during the evening. The services of the band were rendered free of all charge, except actual expenses, and those in charge of the festival not only return them hearty thanks for their services, but the general public owe them a meed of thanks for a musical treat. The great attraction of the evening was again Mrs Jarley’s wax works. This exhibition was only open once, and numbers of people were unable to obtain admission. The characters delineated comprised representations of all nationalities, together with the most renowned curiosities in ancient and modern history, and the description of them given by Mrs Jarley, was most humourous and instructive. Her occasional lapses into poetry were particularly well received. Following the waxwork exhibition was that of the electric appliances, which were shown under the charge of Mr Meddings, assisted by Messrs Hayhurst and Ashwell. At this the attendance was again good. Its principle features were the brilliant effects produced by the illumination of a number of vacuum tubes reflected in mirrors, or attached to a revolving disc driven by a small motor. In addition there was shown a beautiful electric fountain. This consisted of a glass globe' through which passed a tube of uranium glass, inside of which was a brass rod. The result of the passage of electricity through this (the terms used are purely conventional) was to present to the public the appearance of a small fountain of flame of .various hues. Those who desired could obtain an electric shock, and there were various other means provided of enlisting the attention of the public. The show was unique, and interesting in every way. In the course of the evening, while the waxworks were on view, Mr Fred Thomas kindly gave a specimen of his ventriloquial powers, which was much appreciated. All the evening the attendance at the shooting gallery was large, and a number of matches for prizes were arranged. So great was the interest taken in this feature of the amusement that a special evening has to be arranged upon which the balance of the prizes will be competed for. The stall holders, without exception, did good business, there being keen competition for all classes of goods. The ladies who worked so hard in connection with the Sewing Guild have every reason to be satisfied with the result of their work. In this department it may be mentioned that Mrs R. Austin lent her services throughout Saturday. In the fancy department and at the stall for the sale of Japanese ware a brisk business was done, the attendants being kept busily employed. It must be mentioned that Miss LeOren’s name appeared as an assistant at this stall in place of that of Miss Raymond (of Timaru), and the costumes worn by the younger ladies, those of happy Japan, are also worthy of remark. At the refreshment stalls it was a case of “ cleared out ” at about half-past ten o’clock, a very natural result considering the excellent fare provided. Mr J. Mundell’s services were enlisted for the gift auction. It is almost needless to say that his beguiling tongue was sufficient to elicit full value for every line submitted, and at about ten o’clock every article here was disposed of. The bazaar was formally closed about half-an-hour later, when hearty cheers were given for “ Mrs Jarley ” and the “ Garrison Baud.” The Incumbent and vestry desire to record their hearty thanks to Messrs Comer & Larcombe, G. Davey, B. C. Daun, E. Herbert, and E. Whitehead for various services. They have also to thank Mr Findlay for the use of a piano, and Mr Powlesland for furniture. To Mr A. G. Cox they are deeply indebted for the manner in which he conducted the negotiations with Mrs Jarley, and in another column they notify their thanks to the various performers for their services, and to the public for their attendance. It is impossible in any report for those not “ behind the scones ” to give the credit that is due to the promoters and workers at entertainments of this difioription, but it was abundantly evident that the incumbent, the Rev. W. B. Gillam, and his curate, the Rev. Mr Butterfield, had spared no pains to make the affair the most successful yet held in Temuka, and we are pleased to state that in spite of all unfavorable circumstances the net proceeds will amount to something like £l4O.