WAIMATE.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIV, Issue 2, 10 January 1901, Page 7

WAIMATE.

The grand Christmas Carnival, which was recently held in Waimate in aid of St. Patrick's Church was the largest of the kind ever held in the district. For months previous the ladies of the congregation had been busy preparing articles for the bazaar, and the magnificent collection (cays the local Advertiser) bore testimony to their energy. The Drill Shed, where the bazaar was held, had undergone a complete transformation, and presented a pretty sight on the opening uigliL, with the brightly-decorated stalls, fairy lamps, drapings of art muslin, and last but not least the picturesque costumes of the numerous attendants. The following is a list of the stallholders :: — • England ' — Mrs. O'Leary and Miss McCormack, having as assistants Mrs. Qninn, and Misses Ferriter, Cumminge, Goldstone, Hogan, D. Kent, Sullivan, Morris, Shea, and Edwards ; • Ireland ' — Mr?. Collett and Miss Grogan, assisted by Miases Collett, Evans, Miller, O'Connell, L. and C. Kent, Dooley, and Sims ; ' New Zealand ' — Mesdamea Walsh and Quinn. assisted by Misses McPherson (2), M. Flannery, Fox (2), Knott (2), and Gorman (3) ; • Sootland '— Mesdames Ardagh and Toohill, assisted by Mrs, O'Toole, Misses Ford (2), Mellon and others ; produce stall— Mr. G. Collett ; refreshments — Mesdamee Kent, Healy, Lundon, Foley, and Misses Kent and Greelish. Among the others who assisted in various ways were Messrs. J. Freeman, J. Quinn, and C. J. Goldstone. The Waimate Brass Band .played selections in front of the hall before the proceedings commenced. Dr. Barclay (Mayor) presided, and congratulated the Rev. Fathers Regnault and O'Connell on the fine display of goods which the ladies of the congregation had brought together. The opening ceremony was performed by Major Steward, M.H.R., in a very complimentary speech, in which he paid a welldeserved tribute to the late pastor, and the present one — the Rev. Father Regnault — who was ably assisted by Rev. Father O'Connell. He congratulated the Catholics of Waimate on the excellent education they were giving their children, and on the possession of one of the nioest church properties in the Colony. During the evening musical and other items were contributed by Messrs. C. J. Goldstone, G. Rodgers, and a number of children. In consequence of the suocess which had attended the carnival, it was found necessary to keep it open for a night longer than was originally intended. The carnival had been very successful from every point of view. Many persons were surprised to learn that with one exception — a handsome carved hall -stand sent by the Sisters of St. Joseph's Convent, Temnka — all articles were of Waimate make, and most of them executed at the Convent in Waimate. It ie very gratifying, indeed, to find such a high degree of excellence in the town and within the reach of any who chose to avail themselves of instruction, or of having their ohildren taught these very useful arts. At the conclusion, the Rev. Father Regnault returned his sinoere thanks to all who had assisted, and he expressed his pleasure at the spirit of unity which existed among all classes.