BLOSSOM AND BUTTERFLY FAIR.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9628, 21 October 1909, Page 5

BLOSSOM AND BUTTERFLY FAIR.

DRILL AND TOWN HALLS.

A PRONOUNCED SUCCESS

} The liberal public patronage extended to the. Blossom and Butterfly Fair, .yesterday, must have been a source of extreme gratification to ladies of Knox Chuicb, who were responsible for its organisation. The object of the Pair is the extension of the Buiiding Fund, and judging by the results ol yesterday the anticipations of all concerned should be realised. Punctually at 2 o'clock the Mayor (Mr P. L. Hollings) in the happiest of speeches, and in the presence of a large assemblage, declared the Fair open. From that time onward all through the afternoon and evening crowds flocked the spacious buildings set apart for the Fair, and it is not going too far to say that during the whole proceedings there was not a dull moment. The interior of the Drill Hall, which had been decorated and designed ,to represent a Japanese cherry grove in full blossom and flying butterflies, presented a most pleasing picture, and about the middle of the afternoon when the gay throng was at its greatest the scene was one of great animation. The chief attraction was the beautifully designed lattice work sumrmr house in charge of Mrs H. T. Wood, which occupied a prominent place in the centre of the hall. Around this were the stalls laden with a profusion of goods of every description, both ornamental and useful. Eulogistic references were heard on all sides yesterday regarding the beautiful effect of the refreshment stall, under the supervision of Mrs Payton, and its attractive and inviting appearance is a distinct credit to the ladies who undertook the decorative work The occupants of ! the stalls experienced a very busy time, and record business is reported to have been transacted in every department.

The stall holders are aa follow : Produce, Mesdames Miller, Finlayson, and McLean; Fancy stall, Misses Reynolds, McLaren, Falke. McKay; Dolls, Misses Mcllattie, J. McKenzie, Logan; Baby Stall, Mesdames Thomp son Flannagan, and McLeod; Refreshment stall, Mesdames Payton, Gledstone, W. McKenzie, Gibson, Buckton, and Misses Payton (2), Moore, Cany McKenzie and McLaren; Flower stall, Mrs H. t. Wood, and Misses R. and P. Cameron, I. lorns, I. McKenzie, and D. Whitt; Sweet?, Miss Williams, assisted by girls' Junior Bible Class; Children's stall, Mrs Scrivener, assisted by Misses Rose, Messenger, L. Ross: Plain work, Mrs Ross, assisted by Misses ExcellandJ. Smith; Cake stall, Mies Martha McGregor, and s Mesdames Willoughby and Messenger; Bakers oven and wedding cake, Misses Hogg and Miller; Christmas tree. Mr H. Pryor: Bobs table, Miss M. Payton; Telegraph, Mr H. H. Reynolds; Jumble stall, Mr Thompson; Old literature, Master D. C. Pryor. assisted by boys' junior Bible class.

The results of the various competitions aroused great interest, entries being numerous in almost every department. The decorated tables, which were set out in the Town Hall, were a special feature of the Fair. Competition was keen, and the judges had some difficulty in making a selection. The winner was Miss Amy Reynolds, whose table held a most beautiful assortment of yellow azalias and maidenhair fern, the decorative work being decidedly artistic.

The result of the competitions are as follow:—Fruit cake: Mrs Jas. Pryor, 1; Miss Kose O'Brien, 2. Seedcake: Mrs Jas. Pryor, 1; Miss Wyeth, 2. Spongecake: Mrs Hope, 1; Miss M. Devonport, 2. Scones: Miss M. Devcnport, 1; Miss Elsie Miller, 2. Bread: Mrs J. B. McKenzie, 1; Miss Nicholson, 2. Ct& puffs," Miss M. Devonport', 1; LTTw Wyett, 2; Shortbread: Mrs John McKenzie, 1; Mrs Ross, 2. Gingerbread : Mrs Dowley, 1; Mrs J. Pryor, 2. Heaviest dozen eggs: Miss W. Logan (lib 14oz), 1; Miss Freman (lib 13oz), 2. Two pounds butter: Mrs J. Judd, 1; Mrs Douglas, 2. Decorated tables: Miss A. Reynolds, 1: Mrs W..H. Cruickshank, 2. Girdle scones: Mrs J. Gray, 1; Mrs J. Pryor, 2. Pikelets. Mrs J. Pryor, 1; Miss A. Reynolds, The arrangements, made for the

evening were most complete. The somewhat miserable weather conditions prevailing (lid not affect the attendance in the slightest for the halls were crowded to overflowing the whole time. The tiny and many colomed fairy lights harmonised to perfection with the beautiful decorative'work and lent a decided brilliancy to the scene. As in the afternoon the stalls sold their goods with surprising rapidity, and the holder were kept verv busy. The proceedings were enlivened by an orchestra under Mr K. J. Younir, which discoursed the sweetest of music during the evening. In the competitions the ladies' nail driving was a source of great interest, no less than 56 entries being received, Miss Tankersley being finally delared winner after a hard fight. There was plenty to nrnuse in the Town Hall, where a most varied programme of interesting events was presented. The Marcus Mysteries, conducted by Mr L. Miuifie, proved thorough "mysteries" to onlookers, the "Bertha Flora" illusion being exceptionally clever. In ad dition Chinese linking rings, travelling cards, tamborine and other conjuring feats were shown to crowded audiences. This evening the mysteries will present an entirely new programme.

The audience derived plenty of fun from the men's bed making competitions, Mr G. Robertson securing the prize, his work being the neatest, although his time was beaten by another competitor. The spelling and reciting competitions were of a high order of merit, and resulted as follow: — Junior spelling, Lilian Pember 1; Intermediate spelling, Lena Shackleton 1: Junior recitation, Mary McGregor 1; Intermediate recitation, Lizzie Peters 1.

The judges were as follow :—Produce, Mr S. Ralph; Decorated taMes. Mrs W. H. Hosking and Mrs J. Caselberg; Cookery, Mrs J. Caselberg and Miss Pickering; School Children's Competitions, Rev. A. T. Thompson.

The arrangements for to-day's programme are quite as complete as yesterday; In the evening the junior and senior piano competitions are to beheld, and great interest is being manifested in the result.

Other competitions in senior spelling, recitations and singing will eventuate, this afternoon, commenc ing at 4 o'clock. Competitors who did not compete yesterday are notified that their tickets hold good for today. Holders of sale tickets are requested to hand in their returns as early as possible.