THE WESLBYAN BAZAAR.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 3, Issue 950, 15 December 1881, Page 2

THE WESLBYAN BAZAAR.

The bazaar was opened yesterday by the church choir sinning the National Anthem. The Rev. J. Dukes then made a few remarks expressing the satisfaction of the Committee in securing Mr Beetham' to open the proceedings. He also plimenied the ladies who had worked so hard to render the effort successful to clear the church from debt, and he had no doubt the reßult of the bazaar would materially lessen the liability. ■ Mr G. Beetham, M;H.R., then addressed those present,. He'waa more at home in politics than in addresses of this I kind. He thanked Mr Dukes;for his kind remarks, and expressed the pleasure he had always felt in forwarding any good work. Though not a very religious man he had always taken a sincere interest in religious affairs, and would always be ready to render what assistance he could to forward them. The Wesleyan Church had. thanks to the exertional its ministers, made considerable progress in the Wairarapa in the past, and he felt sure it would continue to advance in the future. It had been spread nliout that he had attended the Catholic Church on a recent occasion, in order to influence the vote of that church. He felt sure no one who knew him would credit him with having any Buch base views in going to church that day. He was always pleased to listen to a learned man's address, no matter what Irs creed, and bigotry' must be cast aßide if we were to become a auccessful nation. He concluded his address by stating that as business was the order of the day In would not detain them further. The debt on the church amounted to £230 v ,and from the the general interest taken' in the bazaar by all sects he felt sure that their efforts would be crowned with success. He wain thanked the liev Mr Dukeß for the manner in which he hud spoken of him, and declared the bazaar open, amid loud applause. Mr B. P. Perry then proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Beetham, speaking of him and his brothers in very flattering terms, Ho had known them for the past twentyfive years, and his opinion of them had never change! Mr Beetham had been one of the pioneus of civilization, and many were the hardships and losses he had suffered. His fellow settlers had seen the stuff he was made of, and had raised him to the highest position they could—namely, member for the district. He made a humorous allusion to Mr Beetham's apparently confirmed bachelorhood, but hoped he would soon fall in with the wishes nf the fair sex. The debt on the church was due to the fact that they had been keeping pace with the town, and he trusted they would continue to do so. At present the church waß not large ononsjh to Beat all those who attended. He hoped that before the bazar closed the debt would be wiped out. He had great pleasure in proposing a most hearty vole of thanks' to Mr Beetham for the mannar in which he had accepted the invitation of the committee. (Applause.) Mr H. Bentley seconded the resolution, which was carried by acclamation. Mr Beetham thanked those present for the vote of thanks, and business commenced. •

A very large number of visitors assottlbled, notwithstanding that the rain prevented many coming from the country districts and from other townships. During the afternoon and evening a large amount of business was done. The Christmas tree was very popular and Miss Bridge and her assistants netted over £6 by the Bale of articles, not one of which was of greater cost than Is Gd! The flower stands, attended by Mrs E. KibMewhite and Miss Gordon, were stocked with growing plants in pots, and these found a very ready sale. The refreshments on the stage, dispensed by Mrs Rmindtree and Miss Matthows, were of very e*cellentquality. and were given by ladies of the town. The proof of their quality was tested in the best o? ways—namely, by eating, and they were universally praised and patronized. The Masterton Volunteer Band played at intervals throughout the evening) and thus contributed its share to the success of the undertaking, while the singing of the Rilph family and the choir was an entertainment in itself. A duet by Mr Betty and Miss Bridges was a very n'ce piece of singing, and was much applauded. The bazaar is, so far, a decided success, over £9 ; being taken at the dpors, and, the weather being now settled fair, a larger attendance even than yesterday may be anticioated to-day.The doors open at one o'clock. We believe that, in addition to the singing and band, there will be numerous nther attractions this evening.