ANGLICAN CHURCH BAZAAR CAMBRIDGE.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1480, 29 December 1881, Page 2

ANGLICAN CHURCH BAZAAR CAMBRIDGE.

The bazaar in aid of the funds of S. Andrew's new church, Cambridge, opened in the Public Hall, on Monday last at noon. For some months past the ladies of Cambridge and outlying districts assisted by their lady friends of various other denominations, have been industriously preparing for the above event, and the result is highly creditable to all those who have been engaged in this praiseworthy labour of love. At the hour for opening the bazaar the Rev. Mr Willis called upon Major Wilson, who formally opened the proceedings by reading the following address :— Ladies and gentleman, I have had the honor to be asked to open this bazaar, the responding to which ought, under the circumstances, to be a pleasure. In the days of our youth the idea of a bazaar was associated with eastern climes and nations ; when the reading of the Arabian Nights entertainments and Lalla Rookh was simply ecstasy. Now, however, the mention of a bazaar is only in connection with the erection of churches. It has been said that this is an easy way of building a church, but those who so think do not seem to know that it is only part of the way ; and they seem also to forget that before a church bazaar can be consummated, the ladies who do all — who must necessarily do all the work— have to do so incessently for weeks and months, and although it may be, and doubtless is, to them, a labor of love, yet the constant strain, both physically and mentally, brings on serious nervous depression. It is not, therefore, such an easy task as only ignorance supposes. The object of this bazaar, ladies and gentlemen, is to obtain funds to pay off the debt on the S. Andrew's Church at Cambridge, and when we here look round upon the variety and excellence of the exhibits, we augur an unequivocal success to the undertaking, and anticipate unqualified satisfaction to both promoters and investors. I now declare this bazaar to be formally opened. The bazaar having been declared formally opened for the transaction of business all were invited to walk around the Hall, inspect the tastefully arranged articles, and make their purchases. The ladies in charge of the various stalls were —No. 1 Stall : Provided by Mesdomes Willis and Wilson, and assisted by Misses Clarke, F. Clarke and Gwynneth. No. 2 Stall : Provided by Mrs Wells, assisted by Misses Reynolds, Walker, Roy, and Short. No. 3 Stall : Provided by Mesdames T. W. Hicks, Chitty, Hart-Hicks, Beale, and Jas. Hally, assisted by Misses Beale, Bright, and Longdill. Refreshment Stall : Provided by Mrs Cudworth, assisted by Mesdames Garland and Lodder, and Misses Kingdon and Cudworth. Christmas TreeProvided by Mrs J. Mackay, assisted by Misses Mackay and Eliza Young. The hall was beautifully decorated for the occasion, the walls being strewed with evergreens, &c, and the centre of the floor with trees and Christmas flags. The stalls were erected and designed under the superintendence of Mr T. Wells. The various stalls were weighted with a variety of things too numerous to particularise ; suffice it to say, there was an abundance of everything usually to be found at assemblies of this kind. All classes of needle work was well represented — Japanese work, elegant cosies, cushions, smoking caps, dolls, paintings, timepieces, as well as a variety of other articles. The Christmas tree, which was worked by Mrs Mackay, was the centre of attraction for the youngsters, whose shillings were not spared to secure a prize. Every article on the tree is numbered from 1 up to 150, and the duplicate numbers sold at a shilling each. The other articles On the stalls were disposed of on the art union principle, special permission being obtained from the Colonial Secretary. The music throughout the day was provided by the Cambridge String Band, under Mr C. D. Mackintosh. Shortly after 9.30, Mr Bright began a sale of some of the things. Fair prices were realised, and the sale was announced to be continued next day. The takings for Monday amounted to £81 4s.

Tuesday The bazaar was again opened on Tuesday, in the afternoon, and was pretty well attended towards night.

It is estimated that the yield of the American wheat crop will be 150,000,000 bushels less this year than last.