Oamaru Convent Bazaar

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIII, Issue 23, 8 June 1905, Page 19

Oamaru Convent Bazaar

ITiriwa TTarama (Siher Light), called so from the multitude of decorated mirrors, was the'euphonious Maori name gi\en (says the ' Oamaru Mail ') to the bazaar opened by the Right Rev. Mgr. Maok'ay on Tuesday evening, May 23, in Mr. Cooney's big store. The south end of the buildimg had undergone a complete metamorphosis in the process of preparation for the festival, and resembled, with its stage, gaily decorated stalls] and crowds of sightseers, anything but what It was a week before and will be once again in a few days. Everyone concerned in the transformation must be heartily con' gratulated on the effect, which represented an immensity of hard work, good judgment, and enthusiasm. The ba/aar was made up, as usual, of a collection of fancy and other stalls, with the usual accompaniments, well carried out, as these convent affairs invariably are. No. 1 fancy stall was appropriately called Haere-Mai (Come here), and was presided over by Mesdanves Grave and Kellv, ably assisted by Mrs. M'Kiimon, Miss Lizzie M'Ptoee, and a 'bevy of other young ladies too numerous to narticufl-arise here. 'It was beautifully stocked and decorated, as indeed were all the stalls. No. 2 was styled 'Ao Rangi ' (Light in the Sky), and was in charge of Mps»dames Spiers and O'Neill, with whom were associated Mesdames Cagney and Panther, and a host of others. ' Rahiri ' (Hearty welcome) was the sign of No. 3 stall, whose destinies were in the hands of Mes'dames Corcoran, Molloy, and Co. No. 4 was ' Hoa Tino ' (Very friendly), and here Mesdames Tansey, Grant, and King, presided with a multitude of assist^ ants. Over the refreshment stall, where Mesdames Wise

and Mooney officiated, was the motto, ' Para Manawa ' (Refreshment), and the department deserved special mention, as might have been expected, considering the management. Miss Cagney had a very nice stall devoted to dolls, called ' llunga Riki ' (Little people), while Miss Rowlands dispensed good measure and quality at a very pretty flower and sweet stall, ' Nga Rua, Nga Reka.' All the lesser side sihows were in capable hands. Great credit was due to Messrs. Ogilvie and Son, who made the gas installation, the incandescent lighting by which was most complete and satisfactory. Indeed, the general scheme ot tasteiul and lavish decoration would not have created nearly such a good impression without the splendid assistance of the illumination, which showed up everything ana everybody to the best advantage. The Garrison, Citi7ens\ and Pipe bamls were in attendance, and rendered yeoman service. Needless to say, the* place was crowded and great business was done. Such s* wealth and variety of artistic and beautiful work of various kinfls, it is safe to say, hacl never before figured in an Oamaru ba'/aar, and was in itself a striking tribute to the secondary education imparted by the Dominican Nuns. About eight* o'clock Monsignor Mackay— in the inavoidable absence of the Premier, wlio sent an apology and gtood wishes — formally .and in a few appropriate words declared the bazaar open lie struck the right note when he alluded to the great work done by the Dominican Sisters during their twenty-one years' residence in Oamaru. The grand march follow efl, and wals a spectacle well woith seeing, leflecting the highest credit on the performers and their instructress, Mrs. Curtis, of Chri.stchurch. During the evening other pretty attractions were staged at intervals, to wit a cake walk by little ones, a French cotillon, tambourine dance by Miss J. M'Dougall, of Christchurch, and a Highland fling. The ba/.aar remained open until Saturday night, June n, and was wclll patronised throughout the whole time, the beautifully furnished stalls and magnificent collection of artistic work, the equal of which has larely been seen at bazaars, being much ad mi rod by the visitors. The success of the undertaking was in a great measure due to the great ?eal and devotion of the slallholdeis and" their assistants, who were most energetic in their efforts to dispose of their wares The arrangements were perfect, and reflected great credit on the committee of management.