BLOSSOM AND BUTTERFLY FAIR.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9629, 22 October 1909, Page 5

BLOSSOM AND BUTTERFLY FAIR.

A SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION.

Yesterday snw the conclusion of the Blossom and Butterfly Fair —one of the most successful organisations of its kind ever held in Masterton. Tnere. were not wanting those who held the opinion that the venture was somewhat of a "risky" Jone in view of the ?ligbt prevailing depression. This doubt, however, only served to stimulate the efforts of those responsible for the Fair and enthusiasm carried the day. The actual result of the Fair was not available last evening, but it is estimated that it will be quite up to expectations. The afternoon attendance was a large one, the proportion of country visitors being particularly noticeable. The busy "rush" among the stalls was quite as good as the pievions day, continuing till dark. The flower stall, in charge of Mrs H. T. Wood and her energetic assistanrs, Misses D. Lett, R. and P. Cameron, I. lorns, and I. McKenzie, again did good business. The competitions held in the Town Hall were a great success, and aspirants if or honours were loudly applauJed for their efforts. The results are a 9 follow:

Recitations: Junior division, May McGregor 1; Intermediate, Lizzie Peters!; ?e ior, Arthur Dalrymple 1. % ' ( Spelling: Junior division, Lilian Pember 1: Intermediate, Lina Shackleton 1: Senior, Royne King 1. Singing: Clemmie McKay 1. Writing: Standard 1, Rex Gosnell 1; Standard 2, Walter Greenland 1; Standard 3, Dorothy Stanyer 1; Standard 4, J. Tait 1; Standard 5, Richard Cameron 1; Standard 6, Thomas Harding 1.

The writing competitions were of a distinctly high order of merit, and owing to this and the number of entries--there were over 100—ths judges found some difficulty in placing winners.

The Marcus mysteries, In charge of Mr L. Minifie. were also largely patronised. The feature of the Fair in the evening was the large and appreciative attendance. Prom the open ing hour till closing time, crowds thronged both interiors. Everything went with a swing, and there was no monotony. The beautifully decorated refreshment stall in charge of Mrs J. Pyton proved so alluring that large numbers were unable to gain admittance, and the staff of assistants had not a spare moment.

It was a happy thought that iirst suggested the holding of pianoforte competitions in connection with the Fair. As evidence of the keen interest manifested in theue contests the Town Hall wai fillsd »o overflowing, and the efforts of competi '■ tions were listened to and thoroughly appreciated. Mr R. J. Young acted as supervisor, and Mr F. W. G. McLeod as judge. Tie piece chosen

for the juniur competition was "spring Melody." op. 10 (Agnes Zimmerman), and for the senior section Chaminades "Charming air de ballet" (Callirhoe). The results were declared, amidst applause, as follows : Junior Division (points, maximum 25 in each judgment). Helsn McGregor: Accuracy 22, style and tempo 24, phrasing and expression 24, interpretation 24; total 94. Leo von Keisenberg, 22, 22, 19 23; total 86. Miss Shaw, 19, 22, 20, 22; total 83. Ada Hood, 19, 20, 21, 21; total 81. Senior Division (judging points same as Junior).

Miss Winnie Jones, 22. 23, 23, 22; total 90.^

Miss Hodder (Featherston), 22, 23, 22, 21; total 88. Mr McLeod, in announcing the results, made some very interesting comments on the playing generally, pointing out where the various competitors had lost points, and indicating the remedy. He congratulated the whole of the contestants on the able way they had rendered their pieces, which, considering the short time alloweud for preparation, was surprisingly good. The playing of Miss H, McGregor, winner of the Junior division, was of a high standard, every bar receiving the attention that it required, with a due regard for phrasing ancl expression. In the Senior division both competitors played remarkably well, Miss Winnie Jones winning by a very narrow margin. Miss Hodder, who came second, was a young player showing great promise. She really only lost points on minor details, possessing a nice firm touch, and her work was very clean. At the conclusion of the competitions Mr Young thanked all those competing for keen interest they had shown in the competitions. He expresesd the hope that the competitions would be the forerunner for further contests on a larger scale similar to those recently held in Napier, Dunedin and Invercargill. These competitions were of great educational value, and he hoped that if a movement was made in the direction indicated that the matter would be taken up with enthusiasm.

A commencement was then made with trie auctioning of various goods in the Drill Hall by Mr J. A. J. Maclean, who succeeded by his persuasive eloquence .and general de scriptions in "effecting a total clearance of all lines at top prices " A word of praise is due to the orchestra, which comprised the following under the supervision of Mr R. J. Yourg:—Piano, Misses Winnie Jones and Elsie Richards; violins, Messrs Burrows and Retter; viola, Mr C Winchester; double bass, Mr Hutchinsin; clarionet, Mr M. R. Varnnam; cornet, Mr P. W. G. McLeocf.

The work of the Executive Com-mittee-—Rav. Thompson, and Messrs

A. Henderson (secretary) and J. Pryor—cannot be too largely praised. The arrangements of the innumerable details M\ to their lot, and the result of the Fair must be very gratifying to them. Mention must be made of the Men's Committee who so ably assisted in the work of the Fair. Ihe carpentering arrangements were made under the supervision of Messrs J. Prentice (convenor) and Smith and Excell; the Decoration Committee, un der Mr McHattie, and Competition Committee, under Mr A. Thpmpson; nor must mention be' omitted of the valuable assistance rendered by-JMr A. Levien, hall keeper.