THE BAZAAR.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1137, 30 December 1873, Page 2

THE BAZAAR.

[by a visitor.]

(To the Editor of the Westport Times.)

Sir, —On Boxing night I went, in company with a friend, to the Westport school-room, which on this occasion presented a rather lively appearance, it having been devoted to the purposes of a Bazaar. On entering—after paying one shilling for admittance to the* doorkeeper—a somewhat austere-looking personage—we found ourselves in the midst of a throng of people, young, old, and middle-aged, seemingly in a state of great excitement. Having collected our scattered thoughts, which had become somewhat confused, consequent upon the intense crush and heated atmosphere, together with the sudden glare of the lights, I noticed that the walls were tastefully dee»rated with flowers and evergreens. But, alas! our opportunities for gazing were soon destined to be confined within much smaller compass, for no sooner were the young ladies who presided over the different stalls, shedding a peculiar charm over all their miscellaneous surroundings, wax dolls included, apprised of our entrance, than they besieged us from all quarters offering for sale articles of all descriptions, from baby's linen—enormous rows of which elegant and useful article appeared to be hung in graceful festoons in front of mo3t of the stands—up to smoking caps and richly embroidered slippers that an oriental despot might well have coveted.

It is a most trying time for gentlemen, particularly unmarried ones, to withstand the bright glauces and fervent appeals made to one's purse by these fair ones, vieing with each other in their efforts to dispose of their several wares. In tact it requires an immense amount of moral courage that but few can summon up to refuse or turn a deaf ear t« their blandishments, enhanced as they are by the gay and festive attire of the enchanters. Just imagine if possible a ymng lady tripping up to you, her face glowing with excitement, with an arch smile, pearly teeth, and eyes speaking volumes, looking up in you;- face, accompanying all this with the modest request that you will buy a bunch of Ho vers.. Of course your hand instinctively moves in the direction of your purse, and before you arc Weil aware of the fact has produced the required sum. Many of the articles won by fortunate holders of scrip were mos: various and complex. Elderly gentlemen might be seen solemnly parading the apartment the proud possessors of some miniature velocipede, or velveteen pin-cushion, followed by some stalwart digger elbowing his way through the crowd holding in his iron grasp some struggling doll, awarded to him in the lottery. The Hushed cheeks, dishevelled locks, aud nervous-looking eyes of Miss Dolly giving ample evidence of its disordered state of mind. Graudy slippers, gold embroidered smokingcaps, night-caps, children's socks, worsted balls, pin-cushions, and other fancy goods too numerous to recapitulate, all especially useful to people residing in the country, particularly miners, were disposed of in the most rapid manner either by raffle or private purchase. With what eager anxious looks and bated breath a crowd would gather round the stall of the lady whose business it was to preside over the " Wheel of Fortune," impatiently waiting until that instrument had ceased its rapid evolutions, when they could thurst in their trembling hand and clutch a ticket, fondly hoping it would secure for them the much coveied prize—a baby's feeding bottle, perhaps. The whole affair I think has proved a success, and the ladies are fully satisfied with the results of their arduous and fatiguing efforts. I am, &e, A. P. R.