AUSTRALIAN.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2591, 27 April 1877, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

Sydney, April 27. Arrived: s.s. Hero.

Bazaar in aid of the Baptist Minister's Residence Fund.

The long-talked of bazaar in aid of the above fund opened at 2 o'clock this afternoon at the Academy of Music, which at the time of opening presented quite a guy appearance, with all the articles of seie, both useful and ornamental, tastefully displayed on the stalls around the room. .!>To, 1 stall was presided over by Mesdain s . Richards and Ryder, and the goods displayed on it were chiefly articles of neecil :- work, and a few of such things as bottles f scent, photographs,,&c. No. 2 stall, presided over by Mesdames Sheppard and Walters, No. 3 stall, presided over by Mesdames Renshaw and Driver, and No. 4- stall presided over by Mesdames Vickery and Hinton, displayed goods of a similar character ; in fact the distribution of the goods had been made so as to cause each of the-'afore-mentioned stalls to contain articles of a similar character. The next stall-r-No. s—was exclusively devoted to toys, and the number and variety of those (to children) amusing articles was wonderful. This stall was superintended by Mrs Unthank and Miss Lumsden, and several lady assistants. No. 6 stall—otherwise called the gentleman's stall—contains articles suitable for the investment of the sterner sex.. This table appeared to hold a surprising number of pocket-knives and collars, and its interests were looked after by Mesdames Waring and Jackson. The refreshment stall trembled under a load of good things, and was looked after by Mrs Hume, assisted by Mrs Glover and Mrs Willard. Between Nos. 1 and 6 stalls hear the stage was a table containing a number of handsome* articles such as statuettes, vases, match-boxes, etc., in silver and bronze antique. These had been sent by Mr Chambers of Auckland for exhibition and sale on commission, and the value of the articles was about £35. Situated at the head of this table was a handsomely made imitation half tester bed, all properly " rigged out" in orthodox fashion with blankets, curtains, pillows, I etc. The maker of this handsome article was Mr Snaith. In the centre of the room was an object which attracted, the general attention of the little ones. This was a children's tree loaded with " fruit" in the form of toys. Below this tree were several tables bearing a number stereoscopes lent by Mr Dann, a microscope lent by Mr Battley of Auckland, and a galvanic battery lent by Mr Peter Lamb. There was also a handsome iron cribb made by Mr J. West, and a basinette presented by Mr Grigg. The musical department was presided over by Mr C. Brown, and several ladies have kindly promised to give selections on the piano during the evening. The stage was metamorphosed into a concert and lecture room by the curtain being lowered and the.scenes oil cleared away. In this room it is intended that thematic lantern, which has been kindly lent by Mr .Newton, will be exhibited. At 2.30 the Rev J. T. Hinton declared the bazaar opened, and the business commenced, and the stall-keepers seemed to have no difficulty in disposing of their goods. The total value of the articles for sale is estimated at £180 to £200, so that if they are all disposed of the problem of-how to pay oIF the debt on the minister's residence vr-11; bo solved.